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The Quiet Belief of a Domestic Champion
In the high-octane world of Indian cricket, dominated by the IPL’s glitz and international pressure, it’s easy to overlook the relentless grind of the domestic circuit. Yet, it is here that true character is forged. For the past few seasons, few have shone brighter than Mumbai’s Shams Mulani, whose recent statement—”If I keep performing, I will get a chance“—is the war cry for every domestic cricketer dreaming of donning the India blue.
A Record That Demands Attention
Mulani isn’t just another hopeful; he’s a proven performer with a record that screams for attention. The left-arm orthodox spinner has been a force in domestic red-ball cricket:
- Ranji Trophy 2021-22: Topped the charts with a staggering 45 wickets.
- Ranji Trophy 2022-23: Repeated the feat, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 46 wickets.
These numbers are a testament to his consistency, control, and ability to dismantle batting line-ups on pitches that demand immense skill and patience.
More Than a Spinner: The All-Rounder’s Edge
What makes Mulani’s case so compelling is that he is far from a one-trick pony. He embodies the modern cricketer’s ideal: a multi-dimensional player. With the bat, he has repeatedly played crucial, match-winning knocks for Mumbai from the lower order. Scoring tough runs when the chips are down is a quality captains and selectors prize, making him a complete package in the mould of what the Indian team management actively seeks.
The Formidable Queue for National Selection
So, why has the national call-up remained elusive? The answer lies in the formidable queue ahead of him. Indian cricket is currently blessed with two of the world’s premier left-arm spinning all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Breaking into a side with such entrenched, world-class superstars is arguably one of the toughest challenges in cricket today.
This is the perennial dilemma for selectors: persist with the tried-and-tested duo or reward the sheer weight of domestic performance? Mulani’s unwavering focus is the only correct response. He understands that selection is out of his control; what is in his control is his performance for Mumbai, and he has been dominating that with masterful authority.
Letting the Performance Make the Noise
Shams Mulani’s journey is emblematic of the spirit of the Ranji Trophy—a tournament that tests not just skill, but resolve. For now, he continues to toil in the domestic cauldron, refining his craft and letting his performance speak for itself. His belief is a throwback to a simpler time: put in the hard yards, pile on the numbers, and eventually, the door will open.
Whether that door opens for a Test squad spot, an India A tour, or a place in the white-ball setup, one thing is certain: Shams Mulani has done everything in his power to be the first one knocking.
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