Saurabh Tiwary, a left-handed batsman who began playing cricket at the age of 11, represented Jharkhand at the Under-14 level before making his first-class debut in the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy. He was a member of the India squad that won the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008. Two years later, his performances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL - 18 sixes, the most for the team - and Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy - three centuries - helped him earn an India call-up for the Asia Cup in June 2010. He had to wait till October for his ODI debut, though, which came in the home series against Australia.

Tiwary was bought for USD 1.6 million by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the 2011 IPL season, but his form dipped drastically. He had only one fifty from 47 matches, and then an injured shoulder ruled him out of the 2014 IPL. He played for Delhi Daredevils in 2015, and was later acquired by Rising Pune Supergiants for 2016. Tiwary's 2015-16 Ranji Trophy form was excellent. He was among the top-15 run-getters of the season with a double-century and five fifties.