Pacer Vivek Shelar credits ISPL success for Maharashtra selection
The 26-year-old Bhiwandi native attributed his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy call-up to his performances in the Indian Street Premier League.
Bhiwandi-based pacer Vivek Shelar has credited his selection in the Maharashtra squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to his performances in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), according to reports by The News Mill and ANI.
Shelar, 26, took nine wickets during his debut ISPL season for the Tigers of Kolkata, which included a hat-trick in the eliminator stage. The Tigers of Kolkata is co-owned by Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sourav Ganguly.
The pacer said selectors observed his performances and bowling speeds, including a delivery of 145.2 kph, during the tournament. He stated that his performances in the ISPL also led to a call-up to practise during Rajasthan Royals' trials.
Shelar said his goal is to help Maharashtra win and eventually get selected for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Maharashtra squad includes players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw.
The ISPL is described as a platform for tennis-ball cricketers, with players like Abhishek Dalhor and Irfan Umair also advancing to higher-level teams through the league. Shelar noted that the league's availability on JioHotstar has allowed his family to watch him on television.
The ISPL Season 4 Auctions are scheduled to take place in Mumbai on November 15.