Shahbaz joins the big league – Times of India

Kolkata: Shahbaz Ahmed is the latest on the list of the small-town cricketers making it big. Although hailing from Mewat in Haryana, the all-rounder has made his fortune in Kolkata as a key member of the Bengal senior squad. In fact, he was the main performer in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign last season, when they made the semifinals, before losing to Madhya Pradesh.
On Tuesday, he reaped the rewards of his good performance when he was called up to replace the injured Washington Sundar in the India squad that is currently touring Zimbabwe. “Everybody who plays cricket wants to wear the India colours,” Shahbaz was quoted as saying in a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) press release, before leaving for Harare.
“Being called up for the Indian team is a dream come true. Whenever I have played for Bengal I have given my all. Bengal team believed in me. Given a chance I hope I can win matches for India with my batting and bowling. I hope the team can bank on me.”
Washington had suffered a shoulder injury during a County game in England.
Shahbaz also presented his case for an India berth during the IPL earlier this year. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he scored 219 runs and picked up four wickets in 16 matches. The left-arm spinner who can deliver with the bat lower down the order, was the perfect replacement for Sundar.
The all-rounder was noticed quite early while playing for Tapan Memorial in the city’s cricket circuit. His performance stood out, particularly as he was not turning for one of the more established teams. He made his List A and First Class debut in 2018 and never looked back. Soon, he became a key member of the Bengal side. In fact, he was among the more consistent players in the side and was instrumental in some of Bengal’s major successes. He was someone the skipper could rely on to deliver at the right moment. In the 2021-2022 season, he was Bengal’s main batsman as well as bowler.
“Shahbaz is an exciting cricketer,” CAB president Avishek Dalmiya said. “He is an all-rounder Bengal has looked upon whenever the team has been in a spot. Shahbaz gave his best for Bengal. I wish him all the success on behalf of the association,” he added.
A civil engineer, Shahbaz chose to follow his passion and backed it with sheer hard work.
Even though he is in the India side as a replacement, this would be an opportunity Shahbaz would cherish. With the likes of Axar Patel and Sundar already having established themselves in Team India, Shahbaz would be keen to make the unexpected twist of fate count.