Syed Saba Karim often known as Saba Karim, was a wicket-keeper batsman and a useful lower order batsman. With good all-round performances with the bat and behind the stumps in first-class cricket Saba made his entry into the Indian squad for the tour of West Indies in 1989 but only as a reserve keeper and didn't get a chance to play.

For seven years, Saba was forgotten by the selectors and finally made his ODI debut during the 1996 tour of South Africa. He scored a useful 55 on his debut, which remains his best till date for India. Due to the presence of Nayan Mongia he never got a chance to cement his place into the Indian side and only got a chance in 2000 during the South African tour of India. Just when he began to find a permanent place in the squad, he was taken aback by a blow in the eye by Anil Kumble during the Asia cup while he was keeping the wickets. He had to undergo surgery which ended his career. In 2001, Saba confirmed his retirement and decided to stay in touch with the game as a coach and a critic.