Watch: Shahbaz Ahmed Makes India Debut In Ranchi ODI vs South Africa, Receives Debut Cap From Shikhar Dhawan

The 27-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, who plays for Bengal in domestic cricket and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), made his India debut in the Ranchi ODI against South Africa National Cricket Team.

The JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi is hosting the second ODI of the three-match ODI series between Shikhar Dhawan-led India National Cricket Team and Keshav Maharaj-led South Africa National Cricket Team, which is part of the ongoing South Africa tour of India 2022, on Sunday, October 9.

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Shahbaz Ahmed was included in India’s second-string squad for the home ODI series against South Africa in the absence of many key players from the squad. He didn’t get the opportunity to play in the first ODI, where India faced a 9-run defeat despite Sanju Samson’s valiant effort.

However, in the second game, India made two changes to the playing XI and Shahbaz got the opportunity to play. The all-rounder was handed the debut cap and he along with Washington Sundar replaced top-order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI.

“Two changes for us. Washington Sundar coming in and Shahbaz Ahmed is making his debut today. Ruturaj and Ravi Bishnoi are out,” India National Cricket Team captain Dhawan said at the toss.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan Hands India Debut Cap To Shahbaz Ahmed

The 27-year-old Bengal cricketer received his India debut cap from the veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, who is an all-time ODI great. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to Twitter to share the video of Shahbaz receiving the cap from the Indian captain.

“A moment to cherish for Shahbaz Ahmed as he makes his debut in international cricket. Go well!,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted.

? A moment to cherish for Shahbaz Ahmed as he makes his debut in international cricket. ? ?

Go well! ? ?

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/6pFItKAJW7 #TeamIndia | #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Jn9uU5fYXc

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2022

Shahbaz Ahmed, who was bought back by the RCB at the 2022 IPL Mega Auction for INR 2.4 crore, has played 29 games in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The all-rounder has scored 279 runs at an average of 18.6 and a strike rate of 118.7. With the ball, he has bagged 13 wickets at an economy of 8.58 and an average of 36.3. Also, in 19 first-class games, he has scored 1103 and bagged 62 wickets.

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