Another reason why Shivang Kumar is nicknamed ‘India’s Noor Ahmed’ is for his deceptive googlies that regularly troubled the batters. Madhya Pradesh spinner’s ability to disguise wrong-un, along with sharp turn and flight, has seen him outfoxing the top batters, the traits similar to those of Afghanistan and CSK spinner.
Before making his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shivang’s skills were on display during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In VHT, the 23-year-old was one of the standout bowlers of the tournament with 10 wickets, including a 5-wicket haul, at an economy rate of 5.16 in just three matches.
In T20 cricket, Shivang picked four wickets in as many matches, with the best figures of 3/25 coming at the Eden Gardens, where he made his IPL debut. His unique left-arm spin bowling, similar to Noor Ahmed’s, was already making a buzz in the domestic circuit well before he stepped onto the IPL stage.