Shivang Kumar is one of the most exciting new-age all-rounders in Indian cricket, combining the rarity of left-arm wrist spin with the utility of a handy lower-order batter. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League and Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, Shivang Kumar has quickly built a reputation as a high-impact “X-factor” player in white-ball formats.

Shivang Kumar’s Early Life & Background

Shivang Kumar’s rise through the ranks is far from conventional—it’s a journey shaped by bold decisions, early setbacks, and a rapid breakthrough into professional cricket.

From a young age, Shivang was introduced to the game in the railway colony grounds, but the defining moment in his development came when his father made a strategic call to convert him from a right-handed finger spinner into a left-arm wrist spinner. 

At the age of 14, after failing to make the state Under-14 side, he briefly stepped away from cricket, unsure about his future in the sport. It drew inspiration from the film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and was encouraged by his family to bring him back.

Shivang Kumar’s Domestic Career

Shivang Kumar’s T20 journey began in the 2025–26 season with Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he made an immediate impact. On debut against Hyderabad on 26 November 2025, he scored a quickfire 45 off 28 balls, displaying his aggressive batting ability under pressure.

By the end of the season, Shivang Kumar had taken 8 wickets in 8 matches and maintained a healthy strike rate of 144.68 with the bat. His ability to contribute in both departments made him a valuable T20 all-rounder and laid the foundation for his progression into franchise cricket.

Shivang Kumar made a strong first impression in List A cricket during the 2025–26 season, emerging as one of the standout performers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He made his debut on 29 December 2025 against Kerala, where he returned solid figures of 2/42. In just his third match, Shivang Kumar produced a match-defining spell of 5/45 against Karnataka, registering his maiden five-wicket haul and dismantling a strong batting lineup. 

Shivang Kumar’s IPL Career

Shivang Kumar entered the IPL in 2026 after being picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 30 lakh. He made his debut against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, marking the beginning of his journey at the highest franchise level.

In just a few matches, Shivang Kumar showcased his potential. His standout performance came against the Punjab Kings, where he delivered a match-defining spell of 3/33, dismantling the top order and highlighting his ability to thrive under pressure.

With his rare skillset and fearless mindset, Shivang Kumar is being groomed as a long-term spin-bowling all-rounder for SRH, capable of influencing games in both departments.

Before his IPL breakthrough, he made waves in local leagues like the Madhya Pradesh League, where his aggressive batting further showcased his all-round potential.

(As of April 2026)