Naman Tiwari (LSG): The U19 World Cup Hero Who Took Tips from Bumrah and Malinga — LSG’s Exciting New Pacer
When a young fast bowler gets to refine his craft by receiving personal tips from Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga, you pay attention. When that same bowler took 12 wickets in six matches as India’s most successful pacer at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup and followed it with 19 wickets in the UP T20 League 2025 — you take him seriously. And when he does all this while buying his family a flat in Lucknow from U19 prize money, you realise this is a different kind of 20-year-old.
That is Naman Tiwari — Lucknow Super Giants’ newest pace weapon for IPL 2026, purchased for ₹1 crore at the December 2025 auction.
Who Is Naman Tiwari?
Naman Tiwari is a 20-year-old left-arm pace bowler from Uttar Pradesh. He plays domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh and has represented India at the Under-19 level with distinction. A genuine pace threat, he has drawn comparisons with Zaheer Khan in terms of his left-arm angle and has received direct guidance from Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga during his time as a net bowler for LSG.
He is also, by all accounts, an exceptionally grounded young man. Having bought a flat in Lucknow — moving his family out of a rented property — after earning prize money from the U19 World Cup, Tiwari’s priorities off the field are as impressive as his actions on it. His stated goals are simple but ambitious: “My ultimate goal is to wear the India jersey and become the fastest bowler in the world. My father’s dream is that I help India win the World Cup and become the Player of the Match in the final.”
The 2024 U19 World Cup
Naman Tiwari was the most successful fast bowler in the Indian team that finished runners-up at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, taking 12 wickets in six innings at an economy rate of 5.17. Only left-arm spinner Saumy Pandey took more wickets for India that tournament. That performance established Tiwari as one of India’s premier emerging pace prospects.
The LSG Net Bowler Period: Learning from Legends
For the two IPL seasons prior to 2026, Tiwari served as a net bowler for LSG — a role that brought him into daily contact with some of the world’s best batters and coaches. Team mentor Zaheer Khan took him under his wing specifically. “On the very first day in the nets this year, head coach Justin Langer sir introduced me to Zaheer sir. Zaheer sir gave me a lot of time and seriously watched my bowling,” Tiwari told ESPNcricinfo.
He also received direct input from Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga — two of the greatest exponents of fast bowling in T20 cricket’s history. Having these titans analyse your action, fix your variations, and guide your development before you’ve played a single IPL match is a remarkable advantage.
UP T20 League 2025: Making the Case
After an injury setback in 2024 — an oblique tear that ruled him out of the entire domestic season — Tiwari bounced back superbly in the 2025 UP T20 League. Playing for Noida Super Kings, he took 19 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 16.26 and a strike rate of 11.00. It was a performance that removed any doubt about his readiness and earned him serious bidding at the IPL auction.
The Auction
Delhi Capitals showed early interest before backing out. Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals then engaged in a 15-bid contest before LSG secured Tiwari for ₹1 crore — a 3.3x jump from his ₹30 lakh base price that reflected both his talent and the competition for his signature.
What to Expect at LSG
At LSG, Tiwari faces stiff competition from Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Mayank Yadav. Breaking into this bowling attack is not straightforward. However, his left-arm angle offers something different — and in T20 cricket, variety in the bowling attack is invaluable. If Tiwari gets even a few matches, the cricketing world will be watching closely.
Further Reading
Sources: ESPNcricinfo | Yardbarker