Published By: Sayan Guha

THIS Player Could Be India’s Next Left-Arm Spinning All-Round Sensation – Here’s Why!

A Ranji Trophy star in the shadows, waiting for his turn

The quest for Ravindra Jadeja’s alternative is an intractable issue. Who can replace the remarkable combination of talent, athleticism, and personality that he brings to Indian cricket? While the discussion continues, one player quietly makes a case for himself in the domestic arena—a name sometimes lost in the frenzy of cricketing glory.

But who is he, and why is he considered the underrated jewel of Indian cricket? Let’s dive in.

A star born in the shadows

Shams Mulani, born March 13, 1997, is no stranger to the grind of domestic cricket. Representing Mumbai, the birthplace of Indian cricket heroes, he has been a consistent performer throughout formats. His career began with a bang, as he made his T20 debut for Mumbai in January 2018 during the Zonal T20 League, followed by his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy the same year.

Mulani, despite his early potential, has been unable to gain national attention. However, his stats reveal a pattern of constancy and hunger.

First-class cricket: A consistent performer

Shams Mulani has played 46 First-Class matches, taking an amazing 216 wickets at an average of 24.13. His top bowling figures of 7/94 in an innings demonstrate his ability to destroy batting lineups. Notably, he has 15 five-wicket hauls and seven 10-wicket match hauls, showcasing his ability to execute game-changing performances.

But Mulani is more than simply a bowler. He has amassed 1915 runs in 65 innings, with 18 half-centuries and a highest score of 97. His batting average of 31.39 highlights his ability to be a consistent lower-order contributor, which is similar to Ravindra Jadeja’s influence in Test cricket.

Ranji Trophy: A record to boast about

Mulani’s performances in the Ranji Trophy have been nothing short of sensational. His 2022-23 season was a breakthrough year:

57 wickets at an average of 24.13, including several match-winning spells.

With the bat, he chipped in with 376 runs at an average of 31, proving his value as an all-rounder.

Even in the 2023-24 season, he remained a force to reckon with, picking up 36 wickets at 28.08 and scoring 261 runs.

Limited-overs cricket: Steady contributions

Mulani’s performances go beyond the red ball format. In 55 List A matches, he has taken 82 wickets at an average of 28, with best figures of 4/62. His economy rate of 4.59 demonstrates his ability to control runs, which is a key trait in white-ball cricket.

With the bat, he has 632 runs, two half-centuries, and an average of 27.47, proving his all-round talent.

Mulani has been as productive with the ball in T20s, capturing 57 wickets in 51 outings while maintaining an exceptional economy rate of 6.96. His top figures of 3/18 demonstrate his ability to perform in the short format.

Why compare him to Jadeja?

Ravindra Jadeja’s legacy is unsurpassed. Jadeja has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket, taking 323 Test wickets and scoring 3370 runs. However, with age catching up, India must begin to develop a successor.

Mulani’s left-arm spin and batting ability qualify him as a comparable possibility. While recreating Jadeja’s domination is difficult, Mulani’s domestic accomplishments indicate that he possesses the necessary skills to make an impact.

Will he get a chance?

Despite his impressive statistics, Mulani has challenging competition. India’s spin department already has talents such as Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. However, neglecting a player with such a steady performance might result in a squandered chance.

Mulani, 27, is nearing his peak. His ability to bowl extended periods, bat maturely, and adapt to various forms makes him a great candidate for a national call-up.