Zeeshan Ansari: The U-19 Star Who Waited 9 Years for IPL Glory

Who is Zeeshan Ansari?

Zeeshan Ansari is an Indian right-arm leg spinner born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He rose to national attention as part of the India U19 squad for the 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Known for his sharp googlies and clever variations, Zeeshan’s bowling style is often compared with traditional wrist spinners like Anil Kumble, though he brings his own calm and technical precision to the game.

Zeeshan Ansari Age and Early Life

• Full Name: Zeeshan Ansari
• Birth Date: December 16, 1999
• Age (as of 2025): 25 years
• Place of Birth: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Hometown: Lucknow
• Role: Bowler
• Bowling Style: Right-arm legbreak (leg spinner)

Zeeshan’s journey began in the dusty training nets of Lucknow, where he picked up spin bowling in local academies. His early years were filled with passion, endless practice sessions, and a clear focus on technique. His coaches noted his rare ability to bowl with precision and subtle flight — something uncommon in most teenage spinners.

The Forgotten U-19 Star Who Never Stopped Believing

In 2016, Zeeshan Ansari was part of India’s U-19 World Cup squad—a team that also featured names like Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. At the time, he was seen as a promising leg-spinner with control, variety, and maturity beyond his years. He picked up two wickets during the tournament, a decent showing, but one that didn’t set the world on fire.

While his teammates went on to make headlines, sign IPL contracts, and become household names, Zeeshan’s journey stalled. Over the next five years, he played just one T20 match for Uttar Pradesh. The opportunities dried up, and so did the buzz. But what didn’t dry up was Zeeshan’s belief in himself.

A Tailor’s Son with a Dream That Refused to Die

Zeeshan grew up in a modest household in Lucknow. His father worked as a tailor, and there was little room for luxury, let alone elite cricket coaching. It was his uncle who first introduced him to cricket, sparking a love for the game that would define Zeeshan’s life.

Formal coaching wasn’t affordable, but that didn’t stop him. Gopal Singh at the LDA Academy recognized his potential and trained him for free. There was no sponsorship, no academy deals—just quiet faith and long hours. Zeeshan himself once said, “There was no money, just belief.” That belief kept him bowling when most others would have walked away.

Ignored by the System, Honed by the Grind

Despite being a former U-19 World Cup player, Zeeshan remained invisible to selectors. Year after year, he was overlooked. There were no headlines, no media features, no “future star” tags. But instead of quitting, he doubled down.

He continued playing local and club-level cricket across Uttar Pradesh, often in front of small crowds and on dusty pitches. These weren’t glamorous matches, but they gave him one thing: repetition. Zeeshan used these games to sharpen his accuracy, learn to read batters better, and build his temperament. He wasn’t just playing. He was preparing.

The UP T20 League: One Month That Changed Everything

In 2024, Zeeshan finally got a chance to showcase his skills on a bigger stage—the inaugural UP T20 League. He was drafted into the Meerut Mavericks squad and didn’t just perform—he dominated.

Across the tournament, he picked up 24 wickets, the highest in the league. His economy rate was impressive, and his variations troubled even the most experienced batters. His match-winning spells played a huge role in Meerut Mavericks clinching the title. This time, it was impossible to ignore him.

Scouts from multiple IPL teams took note, and by the end of the tournament, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had shown serious interest. After nearly a decade, Zeeshan finally got the call he had been waiting for.

Not Just a Debut—A Redemption

In 2025, at the age of 25, Zeeshan made his IPL debut for SRH. But this wasn’t a typical debut. This was the return of a player who had once worn the India jersey and then disappeared without explanation. It wasn’t a breakthrough. It was a comeback.

Zeeshan’s story is not about overnight success. It’s about staying ready. His journey is proof that sometimes, the system may take time to reward you—but consistent performances will always find their place.

From Local Matches to the IPL

This is why cricket is special. It’s not just about stadiums or TV deals. It’s about stories like Zeeshan Ansari’s — stories of raw talent, quiet belief, and the right platform.

Zeeshan wasn’t trending. He wasn’t in the media. But his numbers, spells, and progress were being recorded — match after match — on CricHeroes.

You can check out Zeeshan Ansari’s profile and see the grind for yourself.

To every cricketer wondering if local matches really matter — this is your answer.

Every over matters. Every match counts.
And with platforms like CricHeroes, no performance goes unseen.

Your cricket matters.
Even if no one's watching today — it might just open doors tomorrow.

A Message to Every Aspiring Cricketer

Zeeshan’s story isn’t just inspirational—it’s instructional.

It tells every young cricketer grinding in silence that you don’t need noise to be discovered. You need performance. You need discipline. And most importantly, you need patience.

From being a teenager in India’s U-19 squad to finally wearing an IPL jersey nine years later, Zeeshan never stopped preparing. He didn’t wait to go viral—he waited to be ready.

Conclusion: Stay Ready, Stay Consistent

Zeeshan Ansari is living proof that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. You also need to keep showing up, especially when no one’s clapping.

To every cricketer out there playing in local leagues, on turf grounds, and in unnoticed tournaments — your performances matter. Your discipline matters. And if you’re using platforms like CricHeroes to log your progress, your moment might be closer than you think.

Zeeshan’s journey is not the exception. It’s the reminder that consistency always wins—eventually.

FAQs

Who is Zeeshan Ansari?
Zeeshan is a right-arm leg spinner from Lucknow who was part of India’s 2016 U-19 World Cup squad and made his IPL debut for SRH in 2025.

What is Zeeshan Ansari's age?
As of 2025, Zeeshan Ansari is 25 years old.

Why was Zeeshan not seen after the U-19 World Cup?
He didn’t receive domestic or IPL opportunities despite his early promise and had limited exposure due to financial constraints and lack of hype.

How did he make a comeback?
He dominated the 2024 UP T20 League with 24 wickets and led Meerut Mavericks to the title, catching SRH’s attention.

What is Zeeshan’s background?
He’s the son of a tailor and trained at LDA Academy with the support of a coach who saw potential in him, even without fees

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