Bowling wasn’t Naman Tiwari’s first choice. He wanted to be a batter, but he hardly got a chance to bat in his academy in Lucknow so he decided to try his luck in bowling, that too in pace.
The decision worked for the lanky bowler, who not only played in the U-19 World Cup in 2024, but also finished as the highest wicket taker for India. This was followed by an impressive IPL deal, Lucknow Super Giants acquiring him for Rs.1 crore this year. Monday night saw another successful outing by the 20-year-old left-arm pacer, who delivered a sensational spell of 6/13 in 3.5 overs for Noida Kings against Gorakhpur Lions in the Uttar Pradesh T20 (UPT20) League – the best bowling figures in the tournament’s four-year history. Two previous six-wicket hauls were recorded in 2023 – Kashi Rudras’ Atal Bihari Rai (6/27) and Meerut Mavericks’ Kartik Tyagi (6/35). Tiwari did not play a match for LSG this season, but having been a net bowler for LSG, and earlier for Rajasthan Royals, he used 2025–26 to absorb every detail of high-level T20 preparation. He spoke on how his thinking has changed since the U-19 World Cup. “Earlier, I was bowling 140, but in the UPT20 League, I even touched 146.
Now, every opportunity is big for him after doing his bit for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. Tiwari’s spell showcased control, pace and tactical maturity. Clocking in the mid-140kph, he used the new ball to produce seam movement and then varied his lengths to deny the batters any rhythm. His spell included a burst of three wickets in four balls in the middle overs, setting up a comprehensive four-wicket win for his side. With the game in balance, Tiwari didn’t chase wickets recklessly. He stuck to his plans, hitting the top of off-stump and bowling the bouncer judiciously, using his natural angle from over the wicket to left-handers. The result was a batting collapse that is certain to be replayed in UP cricket for some time. Under the guidance of former India spearhead Zaheer Khan, who was LSG mentor, Tiwari worked extensively on execution, game awareness and physical conditioning. Every match after the U19 World Cup taught me different lessons. The environment training alongside Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan has sharpened his understanding of match-ups, death bowling, and building pressure. Even without playing an IPL game, he has translated the lessons imbibed into his domestic output.
I have gained more knowledge about hard work and become more disciplined,” he said.
