Hyderabad’s Shashank picked for Bangladesh U-19 tour
Hyderabad: Shashank Mehrotra became the lone player from Hyderabad to be selected by the Sharath Sridharan-led Junior National selection committee to India B under-19 team. India are fielding two teams that will play a tri-nation tournament in Bangladesh.
The 18-year-old left-arm spinner impressed the selectors with his accurate bowling in the Vinoo Mankad and Challenger Series one-day tournaments. Shashank took 14 wickets in the Vinoo Mankad tournament and he returned with best figures of 10-4-9-4 for a lost cause in the semifinals against Maharashtra. That performance helped him to earn a place in the India D team. He captured five wickets from five matches in the Challenger series. “It was a pleasant surprise when I came to know that I have been selected for the Bangladesh series. I think that spell of 4/9 was the turning point of my career,” said a delighted Shashank.
The left-arm spinner made a late entry to local leagues and he was among wickets two seasons ago while playing for Cambridge XI in the three-day league. He took 33 wickets that season. But this season, while playing for Sporting XI, he had poor returns but selector Indra Sekhar Reddy felt that Shashank had the potential to perform well in big matches. “He has the attitude to perform in big matches and I felt he can be a match-winning bowler,”said Reddy, who has since retired from Hyderabad selection committee.
Shashank credited his new found confidence to former Ranji wicket keeper Riazuddin, who made a few changes to his bowling action. “He found fault in my action. He brought some subtle changes and I could find my rhythm after that. Otherwise I was not consistent with my line and length,” said Shashank, who also acknowledges the role of Adnan Bafna.
Riazuddin said he found some talent in Shashank. “He is a good listener and willing learner. Ever since I rectified his mistake, he has become a changed and confident bowler,” he said.
This tour to Bangladesh will be a big tour for Shashank. “It is a nice opportunity but it is a challenge. I would like to make it count in this series,” he said.
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