Jobaaj Stories
Sachin Baby's Rain-Soaked IPL Debut
Kerala captain Sachin Baby finally got his long-awaited IPL 2025 debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday. However, fate, in the form of a rain-soaked Hyderabad pitch, cruelly denied him the chance to shine. The match against Delhi Capitals was abandoned before SRH even batted, leaving Sachin's much-anticipated return to the IPL stage frustratingly incomplete. This article will cover Sachin’s journey to this point, his impressive domestic season, and the circumstances surrounding his much-delayed IPL appearance.
A Season of Near Misses
The match's abandonment is a particularly bitter pill for Sachin, who’s been consistently overlooked by SRH despite the team's batting struggles. His impressive domestic form, including a century in the Kerala Cricket League T20 final and a 98 in the Ranji Trophy final, highlighted his readiness for the IPL. Even impressive warm-up performances (a 23-ball 49 in one intra-squad match) couldn't secure him a spot in the starting XI until now.
Why the Late Call-Up?
With SRH eliminated from playoff contention and needing to experiment, Sachin finally received his chance. His inclusion came at the expense of Nitish Reddy, whose poor batting form prompted the change. The decision underscores the curious reluctance of SRH management to utilize other batting options, despite several key players underperforming. Ishan Kishan, for example, received consistent opportunities despite a string of low scores, while Sachin warmed the bench.
Looking Ahead
While his debut was cut short, Sachin’s inclusion offers a glimmer of hope. It signals a potential shift in SRH's strategy for future seasons. His impressive domestic record and warm-up performances prove his ability. This unfortunate rain-affected match should serve as a stepping stone for the experienced left-hander.
Sachin's IPL Journey: A Keralite's Story
Sachin is one of four Kerala players in the IPL 2025 – along with Sanju Samson (RR), Vishnu Vinod (PBKS), and Vignesh Puthur (MI). This showcases the growing talent pool emerging from Kerala cricket. While this debut was cut short, it's only a matter of time before we see him make his mark on the IPL.
