Shahbaz Ahmed - The Surprise Package
There are stories where some of them have levitated from the debris of skewed urbanization and unfair catastrophes. Such is the story of small-town lad, Shahbaz Ahmed. Like any other cricketer, Shahbaz's journey hasn't been an easy one.
Bengal lost half their side for 21 while chasing a steep target of 287, The tall and lanky batting all-rounder came to the crease in an attempt to safeguard Bengal's innings. The 25-year-old's knock of 107 against a potent Tamil Nadu bowling line-up is a template for the kind of innings he could play.
Malolan Rangarajan, a former Tamil Nadu all-rounder who also happens to be the scout of Royal Challengers Bangalore kept a keen eye on the performances of the Bengal all-rounder.
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Shahbaz Ahmed was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the base price of INR 10 lakh. Fast forward to March 2020, Shahbaz Ahmed is not an unknown entity anymore. His recent all-round exploits in the Ranji Trophy pioneered Bengal to the final of the Ranji Trophy season. Shahbaz's metamorphosis from a limited-overs specialist to an all-format player has been prodigious.
Performances in the Ranji Trophy 2019-20
Round 8, Ranji Trophy 2019-20 - Bengal was staring at a defeat against Rajasthan in a do-or-die game until Shahbaz Ahmed played an innings of a lifetime and bailed Bengal out of the situation. The fact that his innings helped Bengal cross the finishing line held more importance. His unbeaten knock of 61* was a testimony to the fact that he has the ability to thrive under the toughest of situations.
After having assigned him a difficult position in the side in just his second year in the Ranji Trophy, Bengal has produced innumerable come-from-behind performances with Shahbaz playing a pivotal role. With 35 wickets and 499 runs, Shahbaz Ahmed has been the centre of Bengal's Ranji campaign.
After a scintillating domestic season, Shahbaz Ahmed's proficiency with both bat and ball will be vital to RCB's cause in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Rubbing shoulders with few of the best players in the world will prove to be a learning curve and also help him in evolve into a better player.
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