Economics or cricket, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is adept at both.
The 22-year-old from Jharkhand has so far conceded 67 runs in 13 overs at an economy rate of 5.15 in IPL V. On Monday, he helped the Delhi Daredevils register a thumping victory over the Mumbai Indians by claiming two crucial wickets in his spell of four overs for 16 runs.
A student of economics in college, Shahbaz seems to have rightly drawn from his studies to become a vital cog in the DD's wheel. Though, he caught attention after shattering the woodwork of Richard Levi and Davy Jacobs at the Wankhede, he had shown his prowess in the previous outing, when he conceded just nine runs in three overs against the formidable batting line-up of the Chennai Super Kings.
And had it not been for his selection to the India under-19 team, Shahbaz wouldn't have achieved this success.
"My elder brother also played cricket and had represented Bihar. My father, who is a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), was not happy with both his sons taking up cricket and asked one of us to leave the sport and pursue studies," said the Daredevils' bowler.
{{/usCountry}}"My elder brother also played cricket and had represented Bihar. My father, who is a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), was not happy with both his sons taking up cricket and asked one of us to leave the sport and pursue studies," said the Daredevils' bowler.
{{/usCountry}}Shahbaz decided to give up the game for his brother's sake, but requested his father for one last chance to play for Bihar. And it was during that season that he received a call from the India under-19 team.
"After the call, my brother left the sport to ensure I pursued my passion. He has recently completed engineering and is awaiting his results after appearing in CAT," he said.
Shahbaz credits his success to Virender Sehwag, saying the skipper's encouraging words gave him the confidence to do well in the match.