Shahbaz Ahmed Has Been A Three-Year Project For Us: Mike Hesson

Even though the next Indian Premier League season is still a few months away, Royal Challengers Bangalore is back in the game and putting their players through rigorous training at regular camps under the supervision of their coaches.

The Faf du Plessis-led team had a mixed record last season despite making the playoffs, though some players are making a strong impression with the national team.

Dinesh Karthik’s career has gained momentum, Mohammed Siraj, a pacer, has returned after a hiatus, Harshal Patel is a contender, and Shahbaz Ahmed has been given his first India call-up.

Shahbaz Ahmed Always Wants To Get Better: Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson, the director of cricket operations at RCB in an interview with Times of India recently talked about Ahmed’s role and rise in recent years.

“Shahbaz has been a three-year project for us. It is important to realise that players develop at different rates. Our scouting system identified Shahbaz and he had the qualities we were looking for, the fighting characteristic being one of them. He is a multi-skilled player, he wants to get better and has thrived in our environment being surrounded by seasoned and quality players, who were willing to give their time to him. We are lucky we have a high-quality coaching set-up led by Sanjay Bangar.”

“We think differently. Once we invest in a player, we want to see them develop and derive a lot of pleasure in seeing them play for India. We want them to perform for RCB but that is the stepping stone for them to play for India,” he further added.

Ahmed has not featured in any of the two ODIs against Zimbabwe.

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