IND vs SL: Shahbaz Nadeem "Hopeful" To Get His Chance In Next WTC Cycle

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is not a part of the Indian squad that has been named for the Test series against Sri Lanka. The veteran spinner has taken 459 wickets in 120 games but still has not been given a consistent run in Test cricket. He made his debut in 2019 and since then has played only two Test matches.

Nadeem played his last Test against England in 2021. Though he took four wickets in that game, he was not given any more Test matches. Talking about his recent form, Nadeem took 10 wickets in a recent Ranji Trophy match against Delhi.

Talking to Sportstar, The left-arm spinner said that he is hopeful of getting a few Test matches in the World Test Championship cycle at home.

“For a spinner, doing well in our domestic cricket is tougher than even when playing for India A because you have very good players of spin here. So If I do well here, I am hopeful, in a couple of series in the next WTC cycle, I will get my chance,” Nadeem was quoted as saying.

The left-arm spinner has also acknowledged the fierce competition for a place in the team, especially among left-arm spinners The comeback of Ravindra Jadeja has made things all the more difficult for Nadeem. He believes consistent performances and mental toughness is the only way to survive and thrive.

The Only Thing I Can Do Is Keep Performing: Shahbaz Nadeem

“The competition will always be there. The only thing I can do is keep performing and banging the door. That is the only thing that drives me. There are lakhs of players in India, and to be in the top-20, you have to be mentally tough.

“To play for the national team and be there consistently, you have to do well in whatever matches you get. You can only worry about what is in your hands, which is performing well in domestic cricket,” Nadeem concluded saying.

Also Read: IND vs SL: If Virat Kohli Is Comfortable At No. 4, Don’t Disturb Him- Sunil Gavaskar