James Neesham Debut, Biography, Stats, Net Worth, Wife, IPL Team, Records, Career
James Douglas Sheehan Neesham, also known worldwide as Jimmy Neesham, is one of the most dynamic, entertaining, and influential all-rounders in modern white-ball cricket. Born in Auckland on September 17, 1990, Neesham has built a global fan base with his fearless batting and charismatic presence both on and off the field. At 35, he is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and adaptable limited-overs specialists.
From leading New Zealand to the World Cup final to making waves in T20 leagues around the world, Neesham has carved a unique identity: one of those players who thrives under pressure and relishes the big moment. Beyond cricket, his sharp humor and social media personality also make him one of the most engaging modern cricketers.
Career Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 12 | 22 | 1 | 709 | 137* | 33.76 | 1069 | 66.32 | 2 | 4 | 88 | 11 | 12 | 0 |
| ODIs | 76 | 65 | 12 | 1495 | 97* | 28.20 | 1496 | 99.93 | 0 | 7 | 128 | 38 | 27 | 0 |
| T20Is | 93 | 71 | 21 | 1010 | 48* | 20.20 | 675 | 149.62 | 0 | 0 | 77 | 54 | 44 | 0 |
| FC | 69 | 115 | 10 | 3374 | 147 | 32.13 | 4719 | 71.49 | 5 | 18 | 451 | 52 | 71 | 0 |
| List A | 151 | 133 | 26 | 3699 | 128 | 34.57 | 3476 | 106.41 | 3 | 22 | 333 | 122 | 64 | 0 |
| T20s | 319 | 262 | 69 | 4496 | 97* | 23.29 | 3167 | 141.96 | 0 | 13 | 350 | 208 | 129 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 12 | 21 | 1076 | 675 | 14 | 3/42 | 3/42 | 48.21 | 3.76 | 76.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 76 | 72 | 2448 | 2556 | 71 | 5/27 | 5/27 | 36.00 | 6.26 | 34.4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| T20Is | 93 | 65 | 889 | 1328 | 56 | 5/22 | 5/22 | 23.71 | 8.96 | 15.8 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| FC | 69 | 116 | 7257 | 4175 | 125 | 5/65 | 6/82 | 33.40 | 3.45 | 58.0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| List A | 151 | 134 | 4985 | 4853 | 165 | 5/27 | 5/27 | 29.41 | 5.84 | 30.2 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| T20s | 319 | 269 | 4411 | 6660 | 269 | 5/22 | 5/22 | 24.75 | 9.05 | 16.3 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
These statistics demonstrate Neesham’s consistency across all formats. His strike rate of nearly 100 in ODIs, a strike rate of 142 in T20Is, and match-winning five-wicket hauls in both formats further demonstrate his versatility.
Early Life & Background
Raised in Auckland, Neesham displayed tremendous athletic ability from a young age. He attended the renowned Auckland Grammar School, known for its athletes and leaders. Cricket soon became his primary focus. With his all-round skills, he established himself as one of New Zealand cricket’s most promising young players.
He demonstrated his aggressive talent and intelligent bowling at the domestic level with Auckland and Otago. His performances earned him a place in the New Zealand Under-19 team, which laid the foundation for his international career.
International Debut
Jimmy Neesham made his international debut in:
- Test Debut: 2014 vs India, century on debut
- ODI Debut: 2013 vs South Africa
- T20I Debut: 2012 vs South Africa
Neesham’s Test debut was historic; he is only the second New Zealand player to score a century on Test debut while batting at No.8. This record instantly put him on the world map.
Career Highlights & Achievements
- 2019 Cricket World Cup Final Heroics
- Neesham was one of New Zealand’s biggest contributors during the 2019 World Cup.
- His super over performance, clutch bowling, and finishing ability proved critical.
- One of the Most Valuable T20 All-rounders
- Having played over 300 T20 matches, he is one of the most experienced Kiwi players in various global leagues.
- His best ODI bowling is considered one of New Zealand’s most impactful spells: 5/27.
- Franchise success consistently
- He has played in over 20 T20 leagues around the world including IPL, PSL, CPL, BBL, and T10 leagues.
IPL Career – Which Team Does Jimmy Neesham Play For?
Neesham has represented several IPL franchises, including:
- Delhi Daredevils
- Kings XI Punjab
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Rajasthan Royals
- Mumbai Indians
While not a long-term retention for any franchise, his utility as a death-overs hitter is something that makes him a good member of the squad.
Neesham’s Net Worth
As of 2025, the estimated net worth of Jimmy Neesham ranges between $4 million – $5 million.
Income Sources:
- New Zealand central contracts
- T20 franchise leagues
- Brand partnerships
- Commentary & appearances
- Social media income
His presence in various leagues considerably raises his yearly income.
Personal Life: Wife & Family
Jimmy Neesham prefers to keep his personal life private. According to recent reports, he hasn’t publicly married, although he has been in a long-term relationship. He frequently shares glimpses of his life, humor, and thoughts with his large social media following.
Playing Style & Strengths
Three strengths are central to Neesham’s game:
1. Explosive Middle-Order Batting
- Powerful hitter
- High strike rate across formats
- Excellent in death overs.
- Capable of finishing games under pressure
2. Strategic Medium-Fast Bowling
- Skilled in variations
- Slower balls, cutters, cross-seam deliveries
- Effective in middle overs and slog overs
3. Electric Fielding
His athleticism makes him an asset as a fielder in both infield and outfield positions.
Read More: Shakib Al Hasan Stats, Debut, Age, Jersey No, Career, IPL Team, Price
Legacy & Impact
Jimmy Neesham is more than just statistics. His fearless attitude, brilliant performances, and authenticity have made him a fan favorite. He epitomizes the modern cricketer, a perfect blend of performance and personality.
From the pressure-packed moments of the World Cup to T20 leagues around the world, Neesham has been an entertaining all-rounder of his time.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What position does Jimmy Neesham hold in the New Zealand team?
He is a batting allrounder, both as a powerful middle-order hitter and a strategic medium-fast bowler. Indeed, his versatility has made him valuable in both ODIs and T20Is.
Q2. What is Jimmy Neesham’s highest score in international cricket?
His highest Test score is 137* on debut, ODI best is 97*, T20I best is 48*. He has several important knocks in franchise cricket too.
Q3. For which IPL teams has Jimmy Neesham played?
He has represented Delhi Daredevils, KXIP, KKR, MIs, and Rajasthan Royals across different seasons.
Q4. What is Jimmy Neesham’s style of bowling?
He bowls right-arm medium fast with cunning variations that make him effective in shorter formats of the game.
Q5. What is Jimmy Neesham’s current net worth?
His estimated net worth as of 2025 is $4-5 million, which he has earned through cricket contracts, T20 leagues, and brand deals.
Hello readers! My name is Mouli Gupta, I am a content writer with over 2+ years of experience. I love writing simple and engaging sports content and sharing clear, helpful cricket stories with readers. So did you like my articles? If you have any questions, please comment now. Thanks for reading.
