After nearly a decade of unfulfilled promise, Salman Nizar is finally realising his potential. The 27-year-old stocky left-hander has struck a purple patch for Kerala this season in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy cricket tournaments.
A prolific scorer for Kerala at the junior level, Salman struggled to replicate the same form at the senior level. Little gems were followed by lean periods with bat and questions were raised about his inclusion in the senior team.
However, this season, Salman answered the critics by becoming a reliable batter in the middle order for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. Normally an impulsive stroke-maker, Salman grafted and shepherded the lower-order to prop up the innings for Kerala.
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In T20 cricket, Salman unleashed his beast mode and was easily the best batter for Kerala in the recent Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy tournament.
Salman’s brutal assault on India international Shardul Thakur grabbed the headlines. He remained unbeaten on 99 (49b 4×5, 6×8) as Kerala recorded a rare victory over eventual champion Mumbai.
The inaugural Kerala Cricket League (KCL) underlined his capability as a destructive batter. Salman clubbed a few match-winning knocks for Calicut Globstars and amassed 455 runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Salman’s consistency and reliability were rewarded with captaincy of the State team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Salman is no stranger to the hot seat after having led the State at the junior level.
“It is an honour but at the same time I see it as an opportunity. Having led Kerala in junior cricket, I know the nuances of captaincy and there are enough experienced players around to guide me. We have a good team and can beat any side on our day. VHT is a tough tournament. Of course we will miss Sanju Samson and Sachin Baby but we have some good youngsters who can, I believe, have the potential to deliver at the highest level,’’ said Salman.
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Salman attributed his recent success to little tweaks in technique and improvements in his physical and mental strength.
“I made subtle changes in technique and worked on improving my mental strength as well as my fitness. The good performance in KCL boosted my confidence. The new coach, Amay sir (Khurasiya), was very helpful and he encouraged me to play my natural game and also to take up responsibility,’’ he said.
With three knocks of 90-plus scores this season, Salman is chasing his maiden hundred and he hopes to score one pretty soon.