Sakibul Gani: The Quiet Record-Breaker from Motihari Who Is Redefining Indian Domestic Cricket

From the historic lanes of Motihari—where Mahatma Gandhi once ignited the Champaran Satyagraha—has emerged a new name that is shaking Indian domestic cricket. Bihar captain Sakibul Gani has once again etched his name into the record books, this time by smashing the fastest List-A century by an Indian.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, Bihar produced a jaw-dropping performance against Arunachal Pradesh, piling up 574 runs for 6 wickets, the highest team total in the tournament’s history. At the heart of this carnage was Sakibul Gani, who brought up his century in just 32 balls, surpassing Anmolpreet Singh’s previous Indian record of 36 balls.

Third Fastest List-A Century in World Cricket

Gani’s innings places him among the global elite. His 32-ball hundred is now the third-fastest List-A century in the world, behind Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and South Africa’s AB de Villiers (31 balls). Gani eventually finished unbeaten on 128 off just 40 deliveries, striking 10 fours and 12 sixes—an exhibition of fearless, modern-day batting.

A Man Who Rewrites History on Debut

This is not the first time Sakibul Gani has stunned the cricketing world. In 2022, on his Ranji Trophy debut, he scored a monumental 341 runs, becoming the first cricketer in nearly 250 years of first-class history to score a triple century on debut. That knock earned praise from none other than Sachin Tendulkar, who acknowledged Gani’s rare feat on social media.

Roots in Struggle, Rise Through Sacrifice

Born in the Agarwa locality of Motihari, Sakibul is the youngest of four brothers. His father, Mohammad Mannan Gani, runs a small sports goods shop and manages farming alongside it. Sakibul’s cricketing journey began at the age of eight, during a period when Bihar was absent from the Ranji Trophy circuit.

His elder brother Faisal Gani, himself a former junior-level cricketer, sacrificed his own ambitions to shape Sakibul’s future. Faisal became his first coach, mentor, and biggest supporter—guiding him through every obstacle on the dusty grounds of Gandhi Maidan.

Turning Point: Ajay Ratra’s Eye for Talent

Sakibul’s career took a decisive turn in 2018, when former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra spotted him during trials at Patna’s Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. Under Ratra’s guidance, Sakibul’s technique evolved rapidly. He went on to dominate junior cricket, scoring 685 runs, including a mammoth 282, in the 2018–19 season.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his Ranji debut, Sakibul ensured the wait was worth it—announcing himself to the cricketing world with a once-in-a-century performance.

A Mother’s Blessing, A Nation’s Hope

When Sakibul was selected for the Ranji Trophy, his mother Ajma Khatoon gifted him three bats, after performing a traditional ritual to ward off the evil eye. Remarkably, most of his record-breaking innings have come with those very bats—now symbolic of faith, sacrifice, and destiny.

A batting all-rounder who can also bowl medium pace, Sakibul Gani fits a profile that Indian cricket currently craves. Despite no IPL contract and no international cap yet, his bat continues to speak louder than hype.

From Motihari to the record books, Sakibul Gani’s journey is not just a cricketing success story—it is a powerful reminder that talent, perseverance, and quiet determination can still carve a path to greatness in Indian sport.