Mumbai, Oct 13 Fresh from an impressive outing for India A against Australia A, Mumbai all-rounder Shams Mulani on Tuesday said he would remain patient and continue to grind in domestic cricket, hoping his consistent performances will eventually earn him a maiden call-up to the senior national team.
The left-arm spinner played a key role in India A’s 1-0 series win in the recent two-match unofficial Test series against Australia A, taking seven wickets in the first game at Puducherry, which the hosts won by 162 runs.
In the second match, Mulani showcased the trademark Mumbai fighting spirit, batting for nearly three hours on the final day to score 29 off 131 balls and help India A secure a draw with just one wicket remaining.
The 29-year-old carried his form into the Ranji Trophy, scoring 39 and taking three wickets for 69 runs against Chandigarh as Mumbai won their season opener by an innings and 155 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.
“I’m really proud to be playing for Mumbai, and I enjoy playing here as there is a different kind of pressure to keep performing because of the bench strength we have,” Mulani told reporters on Tuesday.
“We’ve got a very strong bench, and you cannot afford to fall short when playing for Mumbai. So, I don’t take any game for granted — that’s what I do.
“I try to perform in every game and give my best to the team. Yes, the door has not opened yet. But I am a patient guy, and I’ll keep working hard. I’ll keep putting up performances. Hopefully, one day, it opens,” he added.
Mulani said he was not looking to change his approach, stressing that a strong start to the season had helped him gain confidence.
“I am just trying to continue what I have been doing all these years. Trying to have a good start, because a good start to the season always gets you in a great mind space. I want to do well for Mumbai and India A as well,” he said.
“My goal is simple: just help the team with batting, bowling and fielding as much as I can. My teammates and everyone around me support me, and that helps a lot.”
Admitting that missing out on selection opportunities can sometimes be disappointing, Mulani said his focus remained on performing for Mumbai.
“There are times when you feel that I should have got a chance on a tour or something like that. It’s human nature; you might feel disappointed. But my job is to keep performing for Mumbai. I am proud to play for the team, and I will continue doing that,” he said.
Asked whether he had spoken to the national selectors about his prospects, Mulani said he had not, but remained in touch with coaches to understand how he could progress to the next level.
“Not really. But I do talk to the coaches. I had a word with India A’s coaches as well on how to get to the next level,” he said.
“I keep talking to our coaches as well and trying to improve every day.”
Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad said Mulani and pacer Tushar Deshpande, who claimed five wickets for 17 runs in Chandigarh’s first innings, were highly motivated to represent India at the senior level.
“I think he (Deshpande) is very motivated to play for India and go to the next level. Like Shams, because it’s the right age for him to play for India now,” Lad said.
“We’ve seen his potential. He has got pace, swing and seam movement. He is a proper package now and is mentally ready to take the next step. So, let’s hope for the best. We are doing what is in our control and leaving the rest to the selectors,” he added.
(PTI News)
