Shahbaz Ahmed will be leading Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the ongoing Bengal T20 League. Shahbaz, who did not have a great IPL 2026 season for Lucknow Super Giants, has been recently included in the 30-member probable for the upcoming Asian Games.
The 31-year-old felt that Rishabh Pant’s decision to step down from LSG captaincy was not driven by issues within the team. According to Shahbaz, it was primarily to focus on his batting. In this exclusive chat with Revsportz, Shahbaz opens up on Pant’s captaincy, LSG’s disappointing season, inputs from Bharat Arun, competition with Harsh Dubey, his red-ball performance being underrated, and much more. Here are the excerpts:
What do you think was the reason behind Lucknow Super Giants’ disappointing IPL 2026 season?
Shahbaz Ahmed: I think Lucknow Super Giants had a very good squad. In the first half of the tournament, our bowling unit performed really well, but the batting unit struggled to put up big scores. In the second half, our batting improved significantly and we started scoring heavily, but our bowling could not consistently complement it. When batting and bowling do not click together, it becomes difficult to win matches. I do not think there was any major issue within the team. Personally, I did not get many opportunities this season, but I worked hard and gave my best. I believe that effort will pay off somewhere down the line.
Rishabh Pant recently decided to step down from LSG captaincy. Having played under him, how would you assess him as a captain?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Rishabh is a very good friend of mine. We played together in Delhi as well. However, when a team is not performing well, the captain naturally comes under scrutiny. Perhaps he felt that stepping down was the right decision for him. As far as I know, it was a personal decision rather than something driven by issues within the team. From what I have seen on social media, it appears to have been a personal decision, and perhaps he wanted to focus more on his batting.
Was there any frustration due to the lack of opportunities over the last two seasons at LSG?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Yes, over the last two seasons, I have not played much cricket for Lucknow. However, it is important to remember that I did get an opportunity in the first match as an Impact Player. Unfortunately, I could not perform well with either bat or ball. Perhaps after that, the management felt other options would be better for the team. Every player wants to play and contribute, but if you do not perform, there is no guarantee of a place in the playing XI. All 24 players in the squad are talented. I got my opportunity, but I could not make the most of it.
You mentioned the Impact Player rule. As an all-rounder, what is your view on it?
Shahbaz Ahmed: This debate comes up after every IPL season. I agree with what Sachin Tendulkar has said about the rule. Initially, I also felt that Impact Players reduced opportunities for all-rounders. However, when I look around now, India’s best all-rounders—such as Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Harsh Dubey—are playing regularly. What I do feel is that the rule puts additional pressure on bowlers. The extra batter gives batting units greater freedom to attack. As a result, bowlers are often under tremendous pressure, and nobody talks enough about that aspect. The batting side gets an extra cushion, which allows them to play more aggressively.
Last season in the Ranji Trophy, you scored more than 400 runs and took nearly 40 wickets. Do you feel your red-ball performances are underrated?
Shahbaz Ahmed: I have understood one thing about cricket: until your team wins, individual performances do not receive the same value. If Bengal had won the semi-final and then gone on to win the Ranji Trophy last season, those performances would have been appreciated much more. Selectors naturally focus on players who perform in winning teams. Therefore, I do not blame anyone. My aim is to help my team win trophies. If I can do that, recognition will follow automatically.
Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar have been rewarded with opportunities in the one-off test against Afghanistan. Do you ever feel you should have received similar opportunities?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Harsh and Manav have performed exceptionally well. They have done well in domestic cricket, India A cricket, and the IPL. They fully deserve the opportunities they are getting. Ultimately, it is the selectors’ decision. Different formats require different skill sets, and every format now has a slightly different team. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone. My focus is on performing wherever I play and ensuring the selectors continue to notice my performances.
How has your experience been working with Bharat Arun at LSG?
Shahbaz Ahmed: I did not play many matches this season, but after the first game, when I was left out, Bharat Arun Sir and I had several discussions. We spoke about my bowling, technical aspects, planning, and areas where I could improve. I asked him a lot of questions about how I could become a better cricketer and contribute more effectively. He gave me valuable advice. In fact, I learned a lot during the periods when I was not playing. Those conversations were particularly important for my bowling development. The best part was that I could speak openly with him. As an Indian coach with vast experience, he understands what players go through mentally and can guide them accordingly.
You will captain the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the Bengal Pro T20 League. How are you looking at this responsibility?
Shahbaz Ahmed: The last two seasons have not been great for the franchise. Although I played only one match last season, we analysed the shortcomings of the team in detail with the coaches and management. The auction allowed us to rebuild the squad. We have addressed several key areas and assembled a balanced team. Both the management and I are satisfied with the squad we have put together, and we are optimistic about the upcoming season.
Bengal appears to have been placed in a relatively easier group in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. What are your thoughts?
Shahbaz Ahmed: There is no such thing as an easy group or an easy opponent until you actually win the match. Even in the previous season, we had opportunities to progress further but could not capitalise on them. At this stage, we are waiting to see which players are selected, who is available, and how the squad shapes up before the season begins.
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The post Pant’s decision to step down from LSG captaincy was not driven by issues within the team, but to focus on batting: Shahbaz Ahmed appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
