Virat Kohli and other teammates asked me to hold the trophy: Shahbaz Nadeem

After persisting for years and years in First-Class cricket, left-arm off-spinner Shahbaz Nadeem finally got his chance to showcase his precocious skill and craft at the top-level during the recently concluded Test series against the visiting South Africans. Nadeem, who made his First-Class debut for Jharkhand way back in 2004 finally got his due when he was drafted into the set-up for the third Test of the Gandhi-Mandela Trophy in Ranchi after left-arm leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav complained of pain in his shoulder leading into the final five-day game.

The Jharkhand spearhead, upon receiving the shock call-up, packed his bag, traveled all the way from Kolkata to Ranchi within a span of 24 hours before realizing the ultimate dream of being named into the playing 11. India, of course, dominated the Test, routing the visiting South Africans by an innings & 202 runs and Nadeem justified his selection by claiming four wickets including the last two batsmen of the Proteas in their second innings.

Shahbaz Nadeem heaps praise on Virat Kohli

After his successful maiden outing, the left-arm orthodox spinner heaped high praise on the Indian captain. Nadeem hailed Kohli as the best captain in the world, stating that the Indian captain led from the front besides also expressing satisfaction of taking four wickets in his debut match. Nadeem alluded that Kohli is a born leader who leads the time by example and also revealed how he and Virat were discussing wickets and different situations during the match.

“Virat (Kohli) is an amazing captain. I must say he is the best captain in the world. He leads by example. I am happy that I took four wickets in the match. I have played a lot of domestic matches and have a lot of experience. I want to use all of that experience in my international career. I am happy with my debut,” Nadeem said as quoted by Times of India.

“Both of us (Kohli and I) were discussing wickets and different situations during the match. Our plans worked really well against South Africa. This Indian team is the best in the world. Virat is a born leader. Not just on the field, (but) he also keeps the dressing room atmosphere alive. He helps every bowler on the field. With his aggression and batting prowess, he has taken Indian cricket to another level. I want to thank him for showing confidence in me,” the left-arm off-spinner added.

Ever since MS Dhoni became the captain back in 2007, the culture of having the youngest players of the squad to celebrate with the trophy has been inculcated, something Virat Kohli has taken forward during his tenure.

“When Virat was given the winners trophy, he, along with all the team members, asked me to hold the trophy,” the 30-year-old added.