In the early 2000s, young cricketers from small towns across India dreamed of becoming the next MS Dhoni. The long-haired wicketkeeper from Ranchi inspired a generation, including fellow Jharkhand cricketer Saurabh Tiwari, who once looked poised to follow in Dhoni’s footsteps. Known for his powerful six-hitting ability, Tiwari’s cricket career started with promise but eventually faded away.
Saurabh Tiwari: A Six-Hitting Sensation Like Dhoni
Saurabh Tiwari, standing tall at 6.3 feet, became famous for hitting massive sixes. His power and aggressive batting style led to inevitable comparisons with his hero, MS Dhoni. After helping India win the 2008 Under-19 World Cup under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, Tiwari seemed destined for success. His performances caught the eye of IPL franchises, and soon, he was picked up by the Mumbai Indians.
Part of Virat Kohli’s World Cup-Winning Team
Tiwari was part of India’s victorious squad in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup alongside future stars like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manish Pandey. While Kohli and Jadeja went on to establish themselves as pillars of Indian cricket, Tiwari’s journey took a different turn. Manish Pandey, who continues to fight for his place in the national team, has managed to keep playing IPL, but Tiwari’s professional career has since shifted to the Legends League Cricket, a tournament for retired players.
A Breakthrough in IPL with Mumbai Indians
Saurabh Tiwari truly announced himself in the 2010 IPL, where he was in destructive form, scoring 419 runs in 16 matches. His big-hitting, along with 18 sixes and 29 fours, made him a rising star in the Mumbai Indians team led by Sachin Tendulkar. His performances earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the 2010 Asia Cup.
A Brief Stint in International Cricket
Tiwari’s IPL success led to his selection for India’s ODI team in 2010. He made his debut against Australia in Visakhapatnam in October of that year. Unfortunately, his international career was short-lived, as he played only three ODIs. His final match was against New Zealand in December 2010. Despite being guided by his idol MS Dhoni, Tiwari couldn’t secure a long-term spot in the national team.
Domestic Cricket and The End of a Promising Career
While Tiwari’s international career ended quickly, his domestic performances remained strong. His last first-class match was against Rajasthan in 2024. Throughout 116 first-class games, Tiwari scored 8,076 runs at an impressive average of 47.22, including 22 centuries and 34 half-centuries. In T20 cricket, he scored 3,454 runs in 181 matches, with 16 half-centuries to his name.
Saurabh Tiwari’s career, which began with so much promise, slowly faded, but his contributions to Jharkhand cricket and his success in domestic and IPL cricket ensured he remained a respected figure in Indian cricket.
