Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, 23, who made his India T20I debut against Ireland in Belfast in June, is at a crucial juncture in his career.
Representing India ‘A’ in the recent series against Australia ‘A’, Shedge scored 66 off 60 balls at No. 7 in India A’s 49-run victory in the third unofficial ODI in Puducherry on Sunday. He also impressed with his medium pace, claiming 1-44 and 4-40 in the first two games, fuelling speculation that he could earn his maiden ODI call-up for the upcoming New Zealand series.
For now, however, his focus is on Mumbai’s second Ranji Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh, starting in Bilaspur on October 18.
Seizing big opportunities Shedge credits India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for motivating him to sharpen his skills and stay prepared to seize opportunities at the highest level.
“I spoke to Hardik bhaiya when we were together at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. We bowled together during one or two match simulations, and I’ve had some interesting conversations with him. During one discussion, he said, ‘Bring so much mastery to your stock ball that you can bowl it even with your eyes closed.’
‘Just keep working hard’
“He also emphasised that if I feel I’m not getting as much bowling in a match as I should and don’t keep working in the background, things will remain the same. He said, ‘You should keep working because, when you finally get that opportunity, you will be ready to make the most of it,’” Shedge, who has played three T20Is, told mid-day on Wednesday.
Asked about the possibility of making the India ODI squad, who plays in the IPL for Punjab Kings, said: “I can’t comment until the selection news comes. One thing cricket has taught me is that the more expectations you have, the more you get bogged down, allowing external factors to affect you.
“Over the last three years, I have tried not to have expectations. Even in the IPL last season, I didn’t play the first six matches. But when I got the opportunity, I made the most of it. My job is to stay ready and keep improving every day. When the opportunity comes, I will give it my all. If it doesn’t, I will keep improving. I have to play this sport for a very long time. It has only just begun.”
Valuable India ‘A’ experience
Shedge, who has scored 439 runs in eight first-class matches for Mumbai, is particularly pleased with his progress as a fast bowler, having clocked 139 kmph during the India ‘A’ series.
“I’m satisfied with my bowling progress. The pitches didn’t offer much pace off the wicket. In the last match, I bowled my fastest delivery of the tournament at 139 kmph, with my average pace above 132-133 kmph.
If I can generate that much pace on such a surface, it shows my biomechanics are right, my body is moving well and I am fit,” Shedge
concluded.