India tour of Zimbabwe: India call-up a dream come true for me, says Shahbaz Ahmed

Bengal and Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed mentioned on Tuesday that the India call-up for the ODI collection in Zimbabwe is a dream-come-true second in his nascent profession on the highest degree. The 27-year-old was added to the 16-man India squad for the ODI collection, beginning August 18 in Harare.

Shahbaz Ahmed earned his maiden India call-up after he was drafted in as a alternative for Washington Sundar, who picked up a shoulder harm throughout his stint within the Royal London One Day Cup for Lancashire. Shahbaz has been rewarded for his constant run within the home tournaments for Bengal. The left-handed batting all-rounder hit 482 runs, together with 100 and three fifties, and picked up 20 wickets for Bengal within the Ranji Trophy.

For RCB, Shahbaz scored 219 runs and picked up 4 wickets in 16 matches, stepping up in crunch conditions for the Faf du Plessis-led facet which made the play-offs in IPL 2022.

Shahbaz, a civil engineer who made his first-class and List A debut as lately as 2018, mentioned he would need to evolve right into a dependable all-rounder for India on the highest degree.

“Everybody who plays cricket wants to wear the India colours. 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,” Shahbaz mentioned in an announcement from the Cricket Associaton of Bengal.

Shahbaz additionally thanked the assist from CAB and his coaches in Bengal for his or her assist in his journey.

“The association especially the office bearers have always had faith in me. My coaches and my co-players on the team all have contributed greatly to me reaching this point. I am indebted to them, Shahbaz, who is hoping to make his family proud, added.

Shahbaz may not get an opportunity to feature in the XI in the 3-match ODI series as he battles for a spot against the likes of Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda, and Kuldeep Yadav. However, being part of the Team India dressing room will do the youngster’s confidence a world of good.

Meanwhile, CAB president Avishek Dalmiya heaped praise on Shahbaz, wishing him the best in his international cricket journey.

“Shahbaz is an thrilling cricketer. He is an all-rounder Bengal has seemed upon each time the crew has been in a spot. Shahbaz gave his finest for Bengal. I want him all of the success on behalf of the affiliation,” Avishek mentioned.

India will play Zimbabwe within the first of the 3-match collection in Harare on Thursday, August 18.

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