Srinagar, January 27: When we talk of southpaws in Kashmir, Owais Shah, is probably the first name that hits our mind. A stylish batter equipped with wide range of shots and an impeccable technique is what defines the Srinagar-born in the shortest possible way.
However, when one looks at his career stats, there are only a few matches in his tally. The question here arises that what is wrong? Though the reasons of him being sidelined despite showing promise in whatever opportunities remains unknown, it is quite visible that the middle-order batsmen has been facing the selectors’ wrath.
After impressing one and all with some fiery innings in the last Ranji Trophy season, Shah was expected to be the automatic selection this time, not only in Ranji Trophy but in other two formats as well. However, quite little one knew that with season coming to an end, he would have just a few matches to his name.
First, despite being picked in the T20 team, he was kept to warm benches throughout the tournament, rasing eyebrows. Then, again quite surprisingly, he wasn’t considered in the One-day team. When an insider of team was asked about his exclusion, he said, “We have particular players for different formats. He fits perfectly in multi-day team, so other players needed to be checked.”
Though it sounds contradictory since Owais striked over 100 in the Ranji Trophy last season, including a swashbuckling fifty against star-studded Haryana on a tricky track. Lately, the left-hander was given just a couple of games in the premier Ranji Trophy, where, however, he didn’t scored too many.
Nonetheless, if he not performing that well in the given matches made selectors throw him out of the team, then the question here is; was he the only one to fail in a few games? Almost each batsmen of current squad has had failures before proving their worth. Pertinently, why was Owais the lone victim then? Although it remains a mystery, KSW reached ex-chief-selector Sayyed Parvez Qaiser to know more.
“I had last time not selected him. Not that he does not have potential in abundance. He is very talented.” He stated, adding, “He though needs someone to talk to him and guide him.”
“Parvez(Rasool) was always in his favour. That is a good sign.” He claimed.
Hinting behaviourial problems might be one of the reasons of him losing his place in the team, the former wicket-keeper batsman said, “OS (Owais Shah) is a good player and will sure come back with a bang. He also needs to over come attitudinal problems. I wish him luck.”