Abdul Samad

Not many from Jammu & Kashmir have made a mark on the Indian cricket scene, and Abdul Samad has done so with his explosive batting. Growing up in the village of Kalakote, Samad developed a love for the game early on. In 2009, his family moved to Sidhra in search of better educational and cricketing opportunities, a decision that proved pivotal. During a trial in Jammu, his ability to take on pace, especially hitting fast bowlers on the rise, caught the attention of Irfan Pathan and coach Milap Mewada when he was just 16.

His entry into the IPL came through strong backing from his coach, who recommended him to VVS Laxman, as Sunrisers Hyderabad looked for a powerful finisher. Over five seasons with the franchise, he gained valuable experience before being released and subsequently picked up by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2025 season. While he had a quiet campaign, the franchise retained him, backing his potential.

In domestic cricket, Samad continued to grow. He made headlines in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season by scoring twin centuries in a match against Odisha in Cuttack. A major highlight followed in the 2025-26 season, when Jammu and Kashmir clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title, with Samad finishing as the team's leading run-scorer with 748 runs, including a century and five fifties.