Shahbaz Nadeem
Shahbaz Nadeem (Credits: Twitter)

Left-arm spinner from Jharkhand, Shahbaz Nadeem scripted history, as he bagged the magical figures of 8/10 against Rajasthan in a Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018 match.

Nadeem broke a record which was held for the last two decades by former Indian left-arm spinner Rahul Sanghvi. He had finished with figures of 8/15 against Himachal Pradesh in a match back in 1997-98 in Vijay Hazare Trophy.

During an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, Nadeem stated it was always a great feeling when one breaks a record. However, it is important to continue doing well on a consistent basis. In fact, he said at one point he was even thinking of bagging all ten wickets in the innings in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018.

“I never thought that I will finish the day with the world-record when I came to the ground in the morning. You don’t think of breaking records like this. You come and try to put in your best and when the ball is coming out well, thinks just automatically fall into place. The rhythm was good and I just tried to bowl in the right areas. But the bigger job at hand is to keep bowling well consistently and help Jharkhand win the championship.”

Shahbaz Nadeem even thought of bagging all 10 wickets in the innings

Shahbaz Nadeem, Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shahbaz Nadeem finished with record breaking spell of 8/10 against Rajasthan in a Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018 match. (Image Courtesy: BCCI)

“At one point it actually felt like I might end up with 10 in the innings. I was told about the world-record only after I came out off the ground. I was more than happy that I contributed in Jharkhand winning the match. Anukul (Roy) picked the last two wickets and trust me I am not at all complaining,” he added.

However, Shahbaz Nadeem was with the India squad in Dubai helping them out to prepare for the Asia Cup 2018. He stated such call-ups really helps to gain a lot of confidence.

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Meanwhile, Nadeem has been around the circuit for a long time now. However, he hasn’t quite managed to break into the India squad. He further said the call-up was a huge confidence booster that he is in the scheme of things.

“It was a huge confidence booster because I got to spend time with some of the world-class performers in the Indian team. It helps when you bowl to them and realise where you can improve. Also, I got to spend time with MS Dhoni and Mahi bhai was once again very helpful when it came to discussing my bowling and the areas I need to work on,” Shahbaz Nadeem said.

Shahbaz Nadeem said not getting picked for India doesn’t bother him

When asked if not getting picked for the national team bothers him, Nadeem stated it is true he has not played for India, but the call-up to bowl in the national nets means the selectors have taken a notice of his bowling in the domestic circuit.

Shahbaz Nadeem, Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shahbaz Nadeem has been in and around the national selection. (Image Courtesy: BCCI)

“Yes, I haven’t got a national call-up yet, but I was called to bowl at the nets for the first time. Doesn’t that also mean that the selectors have taken note of your performance? I do not think about things that aren’t in my control. My job is to pick wickets and I will try and do that. The selectors have rewarded players who have done well in domestic cricket and I am sure my time will also come,” he said.

Nadeem concluded by saying luck is very important in a sportsman’s life and he will definitely get his opportunities.

“Luck plays an important role in the life of a sportsperson. If you have it written, you will play for India, sooner than later. Thinking over what could be is a waste of time. If you look at it, there can only be 15/16 players in the squad and even if you look at this team, there must be a few youngsters in Jharkhand who are missing playing for the state team because others are doing well,” Shahbaz Nadeem signed off.

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