Former Indian player Ajay Jadeja believes Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed will be familiar with the conditions at the Eden Gardens.
Shahbaz, who plays for the Bengal state team in India’s domestic competitions, has been a silent performer for RCB this season be it bat or ball. The 27-year-old’s contributions cannot be ignored, his 45 off 26 balls to bail his side out from an absolute collapse against Rajasthan Royals in the first leg.
Home conditions will suit Shahbaz Ahmed in the Eliminator match: Ajay Jadeja
Shahbaz has amassed 207 runs in 10 innings, striking at nearly 120 and picked four wickets with the ball at an economy rate of 9.17. Shahbaz provides impetus to the lower-middle batting order and stirs the side with some handful of cameos.
Given the fact that Shahbaz has played enough cricket at the Eden Gardens, the venue for the Eliminator game, Jadeja said the left-arm spinner will play a key role alongside leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in the middle overs.
“Shahbaz Ahmed has been an asset for RCB. As a bowler, the home conditions suit you. You know what works there, and what does not work there. I think Hasaranga would be key, Shahbaz will do his job, but it will be interesting to see them bowling in tandem,” Jadeja said on Cricbuzz.
MI helps RCB to qualify for IPL 2022 playoffs
RCB rode on their fortunes as Mumbai Indians outsmarted Delhi Capitals in their final league stage to end Rishabh Pant and his men’s chances of making it through to the playoffs.
RCB were placed in the fourth position with 16 points ahead of the MI-DC clash. All that the Capitals were required to do was to win against the five-time IPL champions to seal their playoffs berth on a better NRR to RCB.
However, Singapore-born batter Tim David’s blaze, sloppy fielding and some poor captaincy calls took the onus away from the Capitals and propelled the Bangalore outfit into the playoffs.
RCB will play KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator game on Wednesday (May 25) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Also Read: IPL 2022: Shahbaz Ahmed Is A Really Calm Character For Someone Who Hasn’t Played Much – Mike Hesson
