RCB’s pre-season camp was of massive help for me - Shahbaz Ahmed

One of the most remarkable virtues of the Indian Premier League is its potential to offer an avenue for youngsters to demonstrate their capabilities on a big stage. Few of them miss out while some make full use of the opportunity. Shahbaz Ahmed, in only his second IPL fixture, was the standout performer with the ball for RCB. Handed an opportunity in an important game, he has taken it with both hands, returning with tidy figures of 4-0-26-2. 

A street-smart bowler, a batsman capable of landing huge blows and dynamite on the field - Shahbaz makes for a complete all-rounder. He has shown glimpses of talent before. Very few can forget his guileful all-round performances in Ranji Trophy. The 25-year-old was the driving force behind Bengal's successful campaign last year - scoring 505 runs and registering 35 wickets. The statistics best illustrate the contribution he made to the team. His skilful bowling performance against DC on Monday should have offered the team management some optimism for the future. 

Here are some extracts from Shahbaz Ahmed's post-match press conference:

On the team's intensity 

The match was very much crucial for us and our average was better so we have qualified [for play-offs]. What was good for our team was our intensity in the contest against Delhi Capitals. We did not leave the match till the end, so our average [NRR] was better.

On his maiden IPL wicket 

Getting Shikhar paaji [Dhawan] out as my first IPL wicket was very special and gives me a lot of confidence going ahead in the next games.

On how the preparations prior to the season helped him gain confidence 

Of course I had prepared for T20 ahead of IPL 2020, and RCB’s camp in the UAE was of massive help for me. 

On the atmosphere in the RCB camp 

Last few games did not go in our favour but the atmosphere in the RCB camp is always positive and great for the players. The focus on the positives in the RCB camp boosts our confidence even after a defeat and that helps us being positive ahead of taking the field in every game.