22 Amit Kumar

A rising star in the Jharkhand domestic circuit, Amit Kumar (born November 2, 2002) is a right-handed leg-break and googly bowler who has rapidly become a player to watch. Known for his tactical maturity and sharp spin, Kumar’s journey is a classic tale of resilience, having once worked as a groundsman to support his training before reaching the heights of professional cricket.

As of January 21, 2026, Amit Kumar is preparing for his maiden IPL season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Following a consistent domestic season, he was secured by the “Orange Army” for ₹30 Lakh in the December 2025 auction.

Amit Kumar: Career Profile & 2026 Breakthrough

The Ground-to-Glory Journey

Amit Kumar’s rise is one of the most inspiring narratives in Indian cricket. Coming from a farming family in Hamirpur, Bihar, he relocated to Ranchi to pursue his dreams. To fund his training at the SAI Cricket Academy, he worked as a groundsman, laying mats and preparing pitches for district-level matches for just ₹200 a day. His dedication eventually paid off when he became a regular in Ranchi’s practice squads, often bowling to international stars during their visits.

The “Dhoni” Connection & Tactical Growth

Kumar’s growth was significantly influenced by the mentorship of Shahbaz Nadeem and tips from the legendary MS Dhoni. While practicing in Ranchi, Dhoni reportedly advised him to stick to his process and remember the strengths that brought him to that level. These insights helped him navigate through frustrating periods when opportunities were scarce, eventually leading to his breakthrough in the domestic circuit.

IPL 2026: The SRH Spin Asset

Sunrisers Hyderabad identified Amit Kumar as a “smart buy” to bolster their spin department. Despite missing his initial flight to the SRH trials due to chaos at the airport, the franchise maintained their interest based on his consistent tracking data. Secured for ₹30 Lakh, he joins a squad featuring Zeeshan Ansari and Liam Livingstone, where his sharp leg-spin is expected to thrive on the dry tracks of the Uppal Stadium.

Amit Kumar: Career Statistics

Data consolidated as of January 21, 2026.

Domestic T20 & List A Performance

Recent Form (January 2026)

• Vijay Hazare Trophy: Claimed a crucial 2-wicket haul against Delhi, showcasing his ability to stifle scoring in the middle overs.

• Domestic T20: Consistently maintained an economy under 7.50 during the league phases of the 2025 SMAT.