Debasis Sen: Former Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Simon Katich has heaped loads of praises on Shahbaz Ahmed. It was Katich who was instrumental in getting Shahbaz at the Bangalore franchise, couple of seasons back in 2020. The former Australian batter is very impressed to see his performance against Rajasthan Royals the other night. Speaking exclusively to Xtra Time from Sydney, Katich said, “When you see talents like Shahbaz Ahmed particularly a couple of years ago when I was coach at RCB, makes me feel very proud to see what he has achieved the other night against Rajasthan Royals”
Katich still remembers the raw talent Shahbaz possessed when he first saw him.
“I remember when we first recruited Shahbaz at RCB a couple of seasons ago, we saw glimpses of that form for Bengal in all formats, not just Mushtaq Ali tournament but Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare as well. I think what stood out was his all-round skills. I think he always had that capability to impact games. He wanted to be that dynamic all-rounder, performing both with the bat and ball,” said Katich.
He added, “I still remember the catch he took in his debut match for us. It was screamer, as Steve Smith was in an attacking mood during that IPL match in Dubai in 2020. Last season against SRH he took three wickets in two overs to turn the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. It always makes me proud as a coach when you see players like that get opportunities. And to see what he did the other night against Rajasthan Royals was no surprise. It was only matter of time particularly with his batting that he had the ability to bat at the top 6 which he does for his state side Bengal. He just needs more opportunities to show his talent in IPL”
Katich, who was with Sunrisers Hyderabad last season had left his job after David Warner was not brought by the franchise at the IPL 2022 mega auctions. The former RCB Coach felt the talented all rounder from Bengal is in safe hands at RCB with Sanjay Bangar and Sridharan Sriram in coaching roles.
“I know he is great hands with Sanjay Bangar now as Head Coach at RCB. They also have Sriram who is a great spin bowling coach. We look forward to seeing his career prosper,” signed off Katich.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore were in a spot of bother in the IPL 2022 clash against Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai on Tuesday when Shahbaz Ahmed and wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik took the onus on themselves and provided the much-needed resistance to the side. Chasing a stiff target of 170, RCB were left tottering at 87/5 before Shahbaz Ahmed and Karthik joined hands for a partnership of 67 runs for the fifth wicket that eventually won the match for their side. Shahbaz made an important contribution of 45 in 26 deliveries which included four fours and three sixes during his innings. RCB eventually won the game by four wickets with five balls to spare.