Abdul Samad Farooq, born on October 28, 2001, in Kalakote, Jammu & Kashmir, is an emerging Indian cricketer known for his aggressive batting and leg-spin bowling. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), he plays as a right-handed batting all-rounder for Jammu & Kashmir in domestic cricket. Samad is also part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing the Lucknow Super Giants.
Early Life and Career
Samad’s passion for cricket developed at an early age in his hometown of Kalakote, where he was inspired by cricketing legends like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. His family moved to Sidhra, Jammu, in 2009 to provide better opportunities for his education and cricketing aspirations. It was here that he caught the attention of former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan during a trial match. Impressed by Samad’s potential, Pathan recommended him to VVS Laxman, who was mentoring the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the time, leading to Samad’s entry into the IPL.
Domestic Career
Abdul Samad made his first-class debut for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy. Later that year, he also played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking his List A debut. Samad’s aggressive batting style quickly gained recognition, especially for his ability to hit sixes. His dominance in the domestic circuit included hitting the most sixes during a Ranji Trophy season, making him a valuable asset for his team.
IPL Career
Samad’s big break came in 2020 when the Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for the IPL. He made his debut against Delhi Capitals on September 29, 2020. Over the years, his explosive batting and useful leg-spin bowling made him a regular fixture in the squad. In the 2023 IPL season, Samad’s value was reflected in his salary of INR 4 crore, which was a significant increase from his previous seasons.
In the 2025 IPL auction, Samad was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 4.2 crore, underlining his rising stature in Indian cricket.
Playing Style
Samad is known for his versatility as a right-handed batsman and right-arm leg-break bowler. His batting is characterized by his aggressive approach, and he has been a consistent performer in T20 formats, including an unbeaten knock of 76 runs. Although his bowling is not as frequent, he has proven to be effective when called upon during crucial moments.
Personal Life
Off the field, Abdul Samad enjoys watching Bollywood films, with Salman Khan being his favorite actor. His journey from a small village in Jammu & Kashmir to representing top-tier cricket teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants reflects his commitment to the game and his promising future in cricket.
