Vivek Shelar Selected for Maharashtra Squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy After ISPL Performance

“Just because of the ISPL and my performance there, I got the opportunity to practice at the Rajasthan Royals trials,” said Vivek Shelar, 26-year-old fast bowler from Bhiwandi, after earning a selection in the Maharashtra squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Thursday, November 13.

Shelar traced his breakout journey directly to the Indian Street Premier League, where his performances for the Tigers of Kolkata caught the attention of state selectors, hindi.awazthevoice.in reported. The right-arm pacer claimed nine wickets during his debut season in the tennis-ball tournament, highlighted by a hat-trick in an eliminator match.

During the tournament, Shelar recorded a top speed of 145.2 kilometers per hour. That consistent pace and his wicket-taking ability persuaded selectors to hand him a spot in the Maharashtra setup alongside established stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw.

“Seeing my performance and bowling speed in the ISPL, the selectors showed faith in me,” Shelar told hindi.awazthevoice.in. “Now that I have been selected for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, I will try to give my best. Hopefully, this will also get me a chance in the IPL.”

Other players, including Abhishek Dalhor—who previously served as a net bowler for the Kolkata Night Riders—and Irfan Umair, who earned a spot in the Mumbai senior state team, also launched their competitive journeys through the ISPL, according to hindi.awazthevoice.in.

“This is the number one platform for tennis cricket,” Shelar told hindi.awazthevoice.in. “Who knows, someone might get picked directly for the IPL from here. It is such a big platform.”

The tournament’s broadcast transition from YouTube streaming to JioHotstar has also increased visibility for players participating in the competition. “Now my whole family gathers together on the television to watch me play,” Shelar told hindi.awazthevoice.in.

With the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixtures approaching and the next ISPL season on the horizon, Shelar faces an active playing schedule. His immediate focus remains on securing victories for his state side.

“The first goal is to help the team win,” Shelar told hindi.awazthevoice.in. “The second goal, as a bowler, is to win the ‘Best Bowler’ award and perform at my best.”