ZIM vs IND: Shahbaz Ahmed replaces injured Washington Sundar for Zimbabwe ODIs

Uncapped all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed has earned his maiden Team India call-up as Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. The latter has been struggling with injuries since a while and was a player to watch out for in the upcoming series. However, a shoulder injury, which he sustained while playing a County game in England, has prolonged his return to the international set-up.

As far as Ahmed is concerned, the 27-year-old represents Bengal in domestic cricket and has been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore since IPL 2020. The batting all-rounder can hit the ball long in the end overs and his left-arm spin makes him an even greater asset. His all-round skills in this year’s IPL impressed one and all and finally, he got his maiden call-up in the national team.

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee named Shahbaz Ahmed as the replacement for Washington Sundar for the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Washington Sundar injured his shoulder while playing a County game in England. He has been ruled out of the Zimbabwe tour. India will play the first ODI against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on August 18, 2022,” stated BCCI in an official statement.

Shahbaz Ahmed has been impressive in List-A cricket

Meanwhile, Shahbaz averages 47.28 in 26 List-A matches which he has played so far and even has a couple of centuries to his name. As far as his bowling prowess is concerned, he has 24 scalps in the 50-over format with his economy being even below 4.5. These numbers are certainly impressive and it will be intresting to see whether the Indian team management gives him a go or not. Besides Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Axar Patel are the other designated all-rounders in the squad.

India’s squad for 3 ODIs: 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.