"Instead of saying jaanbaaz (daredevil) cricketer we will say Shahbaz cricketer" - Twiteratti react as Bengal all-rounder earns maiden India call-up
Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed earned his maiden national call-up on Tuesday (August 16) ahead of India's upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. He joins as a replacement for the injured all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Sundar suffered a shoulder injury in the Royal London One-Day Cup 2022 during a game between Lancashire and Worcestershire. He received treatment from the medical staff on his left shoulder following a heavy landing while fielding. The 22-year-old did not return to the field thereafter and opted out of subsequent games.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday confirmed that Sundar has been ruled out of the series, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s Shahbaz Ahmed taking his place.
Fans were extremely delighted with Shahbaz's inclusion in the Indian team. Many stated that the hard work has finally paid off for the all-rounder.
Here are some of the best reactions:
@BCCI Shabash Ahmed you deserve it brother 😀🔥
"Heroes. Shahbaz is redefining the Hindi language. Instead of saying jaanbaaz (daredevil) cricketer we will say Shahbaz cricketer."
This was former Bengal coach Arun Lal ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2019-20 semifinal. He will be a happy man. So will @tiwarymanoj #indvszim
@BCCI So happy for Shahbaz Ahmed! Hard work finally pays dividends.
@BCCI Deserved ❤️ https://t.co/Y3dBvDJ9qc
I am so Happy For Shahbaz Ahmed ❤️🔥
Congratulations Shahbaz for your maiden call up 🥳
From making your debut in 2020 with Rcb due to Consistent performances in Domestics - Although He just got 2 matches there
In 2021 he got his go and Played 11 matches
Cont. twitter.com/BCCI/status/15… https://t.co/Y3s73nCX2t
Oh, bad luck and Washington Sundar. The news was on expected lines.
But pleased for Shahbaz Ahmed. Gritty all-rounder.
@BCCI So happy for Shahbaz Ahmed! Hard work finally pays dividends.
Sundar unlucky to miss out due to injury again but so excited with Shahbaz Ahmed's call up. He has delivered some stellar performances for Bengal and RCB in the last couple of years. Deserved this call up!
#ZIMvIND
Once Washington Sundar said he dont wana play for RCB and doesn't miss the team
Now he's getting replaced by Shahbaz ahmed
Karma hits hard
#indvszim https://t.co/8Fq8qFQE2e
So happy for Shahbaz Ahmed he gets opportunity for India in the ODI series against Zimbabwe. He deserves to be in the India's squad, the way he performed in IPL and domestic tournaments it's outstanding. He replace Washington for ODI series against Zimbabwe. Good luck Shahbaz. https://t.co/v3JtSlHi9P
Finally, all my hype for Shahbaz Ahmed has been heard as he replaces the injured Washington Sundar in India's squad for the ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Watch out for this lad! 🙌
#CricketTwitter
It's gut-wrenching for Washington Sundar, but I'm elated for Shahbaz Ahmed. It's a reward for consistency under pressure over a considerable period of time. His IPL exploits aside, he's been elite in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. Quality cricketer! #ZIMvIND
Shahbaz had a decent outing in IPL 2022, scoring 219 runs in 16 matches. He also picked up four wickets and is a handy left-arm spinner and a gun fielder.
The uncapped all-rounder also enjoys a decent List A record. He has played 26 List A matches, amassing 662 runs at an average of 47.28 and scalping 24 wickets at an economy rate of 4.43.
India's updated squad for Zimbabwe series
The Men in Blue will be involved in a three-match ODI series with Zimbabwe, which gets underway on August 18. The Harare Sports Club will host all three games.
KL Rahul will lead the squad after he was cleared by the medical team to participate in this series. Veteran batter Shikar Dhawan, who was originally named as the captain, will be Rahul's deputy.
India squad: KL Rahul (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohd Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Shahbaz Ahmed.