After nearly a decade of unfulfilled promises, Salman Nizar has finally realized his potential. The 27-year-old squat left-hander has played purple for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy cricket tournaments this season.
Salman was a prolific scorer for Kerala’s youth teams, but he struggled to replicate the same form in the senior side. The little gem was followed by a downturn with the bat and questions were raised over his inclusion in the senior side.
This season, however, Salman has answered the criticism and emerged as a reliable batsman in the Ranji Trophy for Kerala. Salman is usually an impulsive bat-maker but he grafted and led the lower order to shore up Kerala’s innings.
Also read | Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Shaw retires, Rahane rests
In T20 cricket, Salman unleashed his beast mode and easily emerged as Kerala’s top batsman in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament.
Salman’s brutal attack on India international Shardul Thakur made headlines. He remained unbeaten on 99 runs (49b 4×5, 6×8) as Kerala registered a rare victory over eventual champions Mumbai.
The inaugural Kerala Cricket League (KCL) highlighted his abilities as a destructive batsman. Salman hit a few match-winning knocks for Calicut Globstars and became the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 455 runs.
Salman’s consistency and reliability earned him the award of captaincy of the national team with the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Salman is no stranger to the hot seat after leading the country at junior level.
“It’s an honor but at the same time I see it as an opportunity. Having led Kerala in junior cricket, I know the nuances of captaincy and have enough experienced players around me to guide me .We have a good team and can beat any team on the day. VHT is a tough competition and of course we will miss Sanju Samson and Sachin Babi. of youngsters who I believe have the potential to perform at the highest level,” Salman said.
Also read | Shreyas Iyer says Mumbai teammate Prithvi Shaw needs to ‘improve work ethic’
Salman attributes his recent success to small tweaks in technique and improvements in physical and mental strength.
“I made subtle changes in my technique and worked hard to improve my mental strength and physical fitness. The good performance at KCL boosted my confidence. The new coach Mr. Amai (Khurasiya) was very helpful and he encouraged me to develop my talents And take responsibility,” he said.
Salman, who has shot 90-plus scores three times this season, is chasing his first hundred and hopes to hit one soon.
