Pune, Nov 12 (PTI) Vivek Shelar, the fastest bowler in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), has earned a maiden

Pune, Nov 12 (PTI) Vivek Shelar, the fastest bowler in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), has earned a maiden

Pune, Nov 12 (PTI) Vivek Shelar, the fastest bowler in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), has earned a maiden

Pune, Nov 12 (PTI) Vivek Shelar, the fastest bowler in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), has earned a maiden call-up to the Maharashtra squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, crediting his performance in the tennis-ball tournament for opening the doors to mainstream cricket.

     The 26-year-old pacer from Bhiwandi impressed in his debut ISPL season earlier this year, claiming nine wickets for Tiigers of Kolkata, including a hat-trick in the eliminator. He also clocked 145.2 kmph during the tournament.

     Shelar said his performances in the ISPL helped him attract the attention of selectors, eventually earning him an opportunity to train during Rajasthan Royals' trials.

     "Only because of ISPL and my performances there, I was called up to practise during Rajasthan Royals' trials. The selectors backed me after watching my performances and the speeds I clocked in the ISPL," he said.

     Shelar, who will now share the Maharashtra dressing room with established players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw, said his immediate priority was to make a contribution to the state team before setting his sights on the IPL.

     "Now that I have been selected for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, I will try to give my best there and hopefully get selected in the IPL. That will be my goal, but first, I will try to help Maharashtra win," he said.

     The pacer said the ISPL had provided an important platform for tennis-ball cricketers to showcase their abilities and pursue professional careers.

     "For tennis cricket, it is the number one platform. You never know, anyone can be picked directly for the IPL from there. It is that big," he said.

     Shelar also pointed to the financial support and improved training opportunities available through the league, which he believes have helped players prepare for the next level.

     He said playing on television had also brought considerable excitement back home, with his family and villagers gathering to watch his matches.

     With the next ISPL season also approaching, Shelar has set himself two immediate targets: helping Maharashtra win the SMAT title and claiming the tournament's 'Best Bowler' award.

     "The first goal is to help the team win. The second goal, as a bowler, is to win the 'Best Bowler' award and give my best," he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)