NEWS
Follow UsThe BCCI have confirmed that Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as Washington Sundar’s replacement for the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting August 18.
Sundar was named in the initial squad but the 22-year-old suffered an untimely shoulder injury playing in the Royal London one-day cup in England, representing Lancashire. 27-year-old Shahbaz Ahmed, seen as a like-for-like replacement, has hence been roped in as cover for the Tamil Nadu man. It is Shahbaz’s maiden call-up in international cricket.
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A left-arm spinner who bats in the middle-order for Bengal, Shahbaz’s stocks have steadily risen over the past 18 months. After a breakthrough Ranji Trophy season with Bengal in 2019/20, the all-rounder bagged an IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the 2020 season and has since been an integral part of the Reds’ side. He impressed with the ball in IPL 2021, taking 7 wickets at an ER of 6.57, proving to be especially handful on slow wickets, and showcased his batting prowess in the 2022 season. IPL 2022 saw Shahbaz average 27.38 with the bat, but the southpaw made a noticeable impact with many a cameo.
Shahbaz averages 47.28 with the bat in List A cricket and he enjoyed an outstanding Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022, averaging 55.71 while striking at 102.4.
