Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is in consideration for getting picked in India’s squad for the limited-overs series against England next month as a backup for Ravindra Jadeja, PTI reported.
Nadeem has thrown himself in the reckoning after white-ball specialist Axar Patel underwent a finger surgery on Thursday, which may keep him out of the series.
The 27-year-old Nadeem has been a regular in the Indian Premier League but it is the Ranji Trophy where he has made a significant mark, especially in the last two seasons. Nadeem has picked up more than 100 wickets during this time.
Nadeem has been one of the driving forces behind Jharkhand playing their first Ranji Trophy semi-final – they face Gujarat. The report also stated that India’s busy calendar, which sees them play Bangladesh in a one-off Test before playing Australia in the summer, was a reason behind Nadeem’s name being floated by the selectors.
One-Day International and Twenty20 skipper MS Dhoni, who has closely watched Nadeem’s rise, may end up tipping the scales in the latter’s favour. India play England in three ODIs and as many T20s starting January 15.