My Entire Journey Flashed Before My Eyes - Arzan Nagwaswalla Talks About His Dream Call-Up To India Squad As Standby Player

Arzan Nagwaswalla, a left-arm pacer from Nargol, Gujarat, has been named as one of the 4 standby players, alongside a 20-man squad, for the tour of the UK for the ICC World Test Championship final versus New Zealand and a five-Test series against England.

After making his debut for Gujarat in 2018, just 3 years later, the 23-year-old has made it into the national reckoning on the back of brilliant performances in domestic cricket.

Arzan Nagwaswalla helped Gujarat reach the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2019-20 by taking 41 wickets at an average of 18.36. He bagged three five-fors in the season, including a 10-wicket haul against Punjab.

The youngster speaks about the moment when he heard he was selected as a reserve player and the happiness in his family, and his dream to represent India.

It will take some time to think about this as a reality: Arzan Nagwaswalla

Arzan Nagwaswalla, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year, says that he is still letting the news sink in. He revealed that his entire journey from group cricket to first-class and List-A cricket flashed in front of his eyes when he learned that he was selected to fly to the UK and that his family and friends were elated as they could be for him.

“It is really hard to digest and believe, honestly. It will take some time to think about this as a reality. In 10-15 seconds, my entire journey till now flashed before my eyes (after he was named as a standby player). When I started, I didn’t even know what would be in store for me. I was not even aware where I would head to and play next if I got selected for Valsad,” Arzan Nagwaswalla told BCCI.TV.

“Everyone was so happy and speechless when they got to know the news. I received the call when I was on my way back home and then called up my parents to share the news. When I reached home, some of my friends were there. We cut a cake,” he added.

He says he is excited to meet the players, who he had only watched on the television so far performing well for the country, in particular recently against Australia and England.

“I am excited to meet and see all the cricketers jinko abhee tak bass TV par India ke liye achha karte hue dekhaa hai. They have secured some big wins against Australia and England recently. So, I am looking forward to learning as much as I can from all of them,” Nagwaswalla expressed his delight.

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