13 Facts about Tabraiz Shamsi: The new mystery spinner on the block

Tabraiz Shamsi is a Chinaman bowler known for his range of variation and economical bowling across all three formats. The wristy twirler of the ball has the variations and attitude to make even calm batsmen look ill at ease. The 26-year-old is counted among one of the most talented slow bowlers at domestic levels in South Africa. His sudden inclusion in the star-studded IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore has made the fans curious about him. So, in an attempt to end the curiosity, we list some of the least known facts about the exciting Chinaman from South Africa who set to add the air of mystery in IPL.

1. Born on:

Tabraiz Shamsi was born on February 18, 1990, in urban Johannesburg, South Africa.

2. Education:

He grew up studying at prestigious Parktown Boys High located in the suburbs of Johannesburg.

3. Childhood ambition:

Shamsi’s childhood ambition was to become a magician. The cricketer himself admits that he was pretty serious about becoming one. In an interview, Shamsi said, “I’m a bit of a clown, I won’t lie. As a youngster, I actually wanted to be a magician. Seriously, like a pro. It was not just a phase as a kid.”

4. Domestic debut:

In 2009, he debuted for Gauteng in the South African domestic circuit as a 19-year-old. Later, he joined the Titans.

5. Lucky break:

According to SuperSport, it was Marlon Samuels who spotted the talent and helped him get the first big break. Tabraiz impressed Samuels during a practice match for the West Indians against a South African invitational XI during December 2014. Following which he was signed by the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots to play in the 2015 Caribbean Premier League

6. Grabs attention:

The 26-year old hogged limelight during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after he topped the bowling charts for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots with 11 wickets from 7 games at an average of 13.27 while maintaining an economy rate of 6.79.

7. Outshines Badree:

Interestingly, Tabraiz’s performance in the CPL managed to overshadow Samuel Badree’s performance. His average of 13.27 was the second best for any spinner in the CPL with more than 10 wickets after Devendra Bishoo. Badree, on the other hand, had a tally of 12 wickets in 13 games at an average of 22.33.

8. Indian Premier League

Tabraiz Shamsi struck gold after he was drafted into the squad by Virat Kohli led IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore to replace their injured lead spinner Samuel Badree.

9. An air of mystery:

RCB bowling coach Allan Donald is excited about the unknown South African. During the press release, Allan Donald welcomed Shamsi to the bold squad and said, “Meet our new mysterious spinner. He has arrived from Johannesburg this morning. Yet to get to know him a lot better but I’ve seen him bowl for the Titans. He is very successful with what he’s done in the past couple of years so, So look out for a lot of mystery balls in there!”

10. Nickname:

He is often referred as ‘Sorcerer’ for his deceptive nature of bowling.

11. Inspiration:

Shamsi says his biggest influence – on the field and off it – is South Africa’s spin bowling ace Imran Tahir. The twirler refers to him his “older brother” and both share a great bond.

12. Unique celebration:

Just like his role model, Tabraiz is a passionate cricketer, and is usually celebrates wickets with over-the-top on-field celebrations.

13. Career so far:

He is a Chinaman bowler who has picked up 272 wickets from 68 first-class matches at an impressive average of 24.90. However, the left-arm spinner’s limited-overs statistics are slightly underwhelming with 45 wickets from 44 Twenty20 fixtures at an average of 23.64 and economy rate of 7.03.