Zimbabwe vs India 2022: Shahbaz Ahmed gets his maiden ODI call-up, replaces injured Washington Sundar

Uncapped Bangalore player, Shahbaz Ahmed has earned his maiden ODI call-up for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe. The Indian Cricket Board has released an official statement, revealing that Shahbaz Ahmed will replace Washington Sundar for the series. The Tamil Nadu-based player was all set for his International return. However, the injury he sustained during the County Championship has put a pause on his return.

Shahbaz Ahmed has been a part of the Bangalore team in the Indian T20 League since 2020. And the Haryana-born all-rounder also boasts of impressive numbers in List-A cricket. The opportunity comes at the right time for the 27-year-old and he would certainly be keen to make the most of that. 

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee named Shahbaz Ahmed as the replacement for Washington Sundar for the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Washington Sundar injured his shoulder while playing a County game in England. He has been ruled out of the Zimbabwe tour. India will play the first ODI against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on August 18, 2022,” stated BCCI in the official statement.

Although, he has been added to the squad, however, his chances of making into India's playing XI aren't too high. H certainly has the potential to spin the match in favor of Team India and can also add vital runs with the bat while batting in the middle-order. The all-rounder has an average of 47.28 in the List-A cricket with over 600 runs to his name. Ahmed has two centuries and two half-centuries in List-A cricket.

The Bengal star also has 24 scalps to his name in List-A cricket at an economy of under 5. Experts predict that the allrounder might be a perfect fit-in for Washington Sundar.

The Indian cricket team has reached Harare city and is bracing for the first ODI to be played on August 18. The KL Rahul-led Indian team will do all it takes to win the series.