Owais Shah for World T20?

Owais Shah is a man blessed with talent. Some, however, believe it has been largely wasted throughout his career. A career, some say, defined by failure to grab international opportunities has been a waste.

With this IPL, though, Shah is impressively returning. Similar to how Michael Lumb opened the batting for the Rajasthan Royals back in 2010 – demonstrating power and consistency – Shah is performing with versatility and reliability. Lumb earned an England T20 call-up: eventually forming a tournament-conquering partnership with Craig Kieswetter at the World T20 in the West Indies.

A replication of those events is now being mooted about Shah. His IPL has been brilliant so far. Batting in Rajasthan’s middle order, he has contributed greatly, and in a variety of roles. Be it the dominant, bludgeoning and ruthless bombardment displayed in his innings of 60 from a mere 26 deliveries against Royal Challengers Bangalore, or his more pragmatic, calculating 52 off 43 balls versus the Chennai Super Kings, Shah has been superb.

Yet, does this justify an England T20 place? Many would argue that it certainly does. His prodigious ability to play spin would be matched only by Eoin Morgan in the England side, and his proven adaptability would be useful to an England side in need of a player capable of batting in a variety of situations.

Also, Shah’s case is enhanced as this year's World T20 is being held in Sri Lanka, in subcontinent conditions of the type that Englishmen are notoriously inept at playing on. The IPL wickets, of which he has been so prosperous on, are not dissimilar to Colombo or other Sri Lankan possibilities.

Shah’s international experience is also an asset. Possessing a player with 71 ODI and 17 T20 caps is helpful in an international side full of nascent, yet untested and unexposed youths.

However, the England selectors despise instability, especially if the replacement is not a promising youngster but a failed veteran. Many feel the T20 squad is a place for the next generation to gain knowledge and experience, not for 33-year-olds with inconsistent international success to be given a last hurrah.

Shah is also seen as arrogant and egocentric by some, and a sometimes fractious presence in the dressing room. Shah will definitely have to continue his wonderful IPL if the England selectors’ heads are to turn.

In addition, he will most probably have to translate his hitherto magnificent form into the English domestic T20 Cup if his name is to be inscribed on the team sheet. Shah’s decision to become a T20 specialist is one that has so far paid vast dividends. Whether he will be playing the game for his country in the near future is still open to debate. What is for sure, however, is that Owais Shah is putting forward an exceptional case in this IPL.