India | Bowler
Zeeshan Ansari is an Indian cricketer. He made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy on 6 October 2017. Prior to his first class debut, he was part of India’s squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
| Full Name Zeeshan Ansari | Born December 16, 1999, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Age 25y 148d |
| Batting Style Right hand Bat | Bowling Style Legbreak Googly | Playing Role Bowler |
TEAMS
 Sunrisers Hyderabad  Uttar Pradesh  India Under-19s Uttar Pradesh Under-19s |
Zeeshan Ansari: The Rise of a Promising Legspinner in Indian Cricket
Early Career & Domestic Journey
Zeeshan Ansari, a 25-year-old legspinner from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, first gained recognition during the 2016 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup , where he emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps . His performance showcased early promise, positioning him as a future talent. Despite this early acclaim, his domestic career progressed slowly, with limited opportunities in senior cricket until the 2024 UP T20 League . Representing Meerut Mavericks , he became the tournament’s standout performer, earning attention from IPL franchises . His breakthrough came when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired him for ₹40 lakhs in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction , marking his first major professional contract .
IPL Debut & Impact
Ansari’s IPL debut in March 2025 against Delhi Capitals was a defining moment. Despite having played only one T20 match for his state prior to the tournament, he impressed by claiming 3 wickets in his debut innings 13. His ability to exploit early cracks in the pitch and maintain composure under pressure highlighted his potential. SRH’s decision to invest in him paid off, as his legspin offered a fresh dynamic to their bowling attack .
International Aspirations
While Ansari has yet to earn a senior India cap , his U19 exploits and IPL performances have placed him on the radar of selectors. His legspin, combined with variations like the googly and flipper, aligns with modern T20 requirements. A consistent showing in the IPL could pave the way for India A call-ups or even a spot in limited-overs squads in the coming years .
Strong Zones & Playing Style
Ansari thrives in pressure situations , particularly in the powerplay and middle overs, where his accurate legspin and subtle variations disrupt batting rhythm. His U19 World Cup heroics demonstrated an ability to deliver in high-stakes matches, a trait he carried into his IPL debut . While his pace is modest, his control and tactical nous make him a valuable asset in death overs or pitch-friendly conditions.
Legacy & Future Outlook
Zeeshan Ansari’s career embodies perseverance. From being a teenage sensation in 2016 to overcoming years of obscurity, his IPL debut symbolizes a resurgence . Though still early in his professional journey, his trajectory mirrors players like Yuzvendra Chahal , who leveraged T20 leagues to reach international heights. If Ansari sustains his IPL form, he could evolve into a national T20 specialist , contributing to India’s future white-ball campaigns.
Zeeshan Ansari Career Stats
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 5 | 9 | 858 | 523 | 17 | 3/33 | 6/125 | 30.76 | 3.65 | 50.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 10 | 10 | 215 | 343 | 6 | 3/42 | 3/42 | 57.16 | 9.57 | 35.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 5 | 6 | 1 | 117 | 76 | 23.40 | 199 | 58.79 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| T20s | 10 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 0 |
Zeeshan Ansari T20 Stats
Bowling
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | SRH | 9 | 9 | 191 | 311 | 6 | 3/42 | 3/42 | 51.83 | 9.76 | 31.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Batting & Fielding
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | SRH | 9 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 | 0 |
Debut/Last Matches of Zeeshan Ansari
FC Matches
Debut
Railways vs UP at Lucknow – October 06 – 08, 2017
Last
Tamil Nadu vs UP at Kanpur – January 03 – 06, 2020
T20 Matches
Debut
UP vs Uttarakhand at Delhi – February 28, 2019
Last
DC vs SRH at Hyderabad – May 05, 2025
2025 IPL TEAM
Delhi Capitals Sunrisers Hyderabad Rajasthan Royals Chennai Super kings Gujrat Titans Kolkata knight Riders Lucknow Super Giants Mumbai Indians Punjab Kings Royal Challengers Bengaluru