Arzan Nagwaswalla shot to fame following a five-wicket haul against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium in a Ranji Trophy match in 2018, and he could become the first Parsi player in the Indian team after 46 years.
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The announcement of the Indian squad for the ICC World Test Championship Final and the five-match Test series against England comprised a surprise inclusion. 23-year-old Gujarat pacer Arzan Nagwaswalla was handed an opportunity as a standby player. As the fans furiously attempted to gather information about this mystery cricketer, news slowly and steadily started trickling into the Nagwaswalla household as well. The cricketer was driving back home when he received a call, informing him about the glorious selection.
The left-arm pacer was Gujarat’s leading wicket-taker during their run to the Ranji Trophy 2019-20 semifinal, accounting for 41 wickets at an average of 18.36. However, Arzan could not believe that it was indeed the reality, rather than a dream until much later.
“I could not believe my ears. Felt like a dream. In 10-15 seconds, my entire journey till now flashed before my eyes. It is really hard to digest and believe, honestly. It will take some time to think about this as a reality. I was travelling back home when information trickled in about the much-awaited call-up. This was followed by me informing my parents about the news, leaving them all happy and speechless. When I reached home, some of my friends were there. We cut a cake,” he said in an exclusive chat to sportslumo.com.
“The same was followed by calls from relatives as well as journalists, which stretched up to four hours. I never expected an opportunity with the national team at such an early stage in my career. The sole objective was to perform well, with the hope that it would result in something positive in the future,” added Arzan.
The left-arm pacer is the first Parsi cricketer to break into the Indian men’s team since 1975.
“I was familiar with this. When I was playing Ranji Trophy, people used to tell me that bahot saalo se koi Parsi cricketer India ke liye khela nahi. It is something like giving back to the community. I am very happy.”
The left-arm pacer’s bowling idol and inspiration is Zaheer Khan, mainly because he has also been a left-arm pacer. Arzan was left deeply motivated by the legendary fast-bowler’s heroics in the 2011 edition of the ODI World Cup.
“I distinctly remember the World Cup encounter between India and England, that ended in a tie with both teams scoring 338 runs apiece. Zaheer accounted for the vital dismissal of Andrew Strauss (158), before striking with the key wickets of Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood. That spell was further followed by consistent performances throughout the campaign, playing a key role in India’s triumph after 28 years. His incredible gameplay developed a strong passion for the game in me.”
Arzan credits the legendary pacer for playing a major role in his development as a fast-bowler, revealing an interesting similarity in the approaches of the two players.
“I hold the ball in my right hand and then switch it to the bowling left-arm in the final strides of the run-up. This is a move that even Zaheer implemented, having initially kept the ball in his left palm before delivering. It leaves the batsman with limited time to comprehend the variation, resulting in enhanced success.”
There are many who have hailed Arzan as the man who has the ability to end Team India’s search for a quality left-arm pacer capable of swinging the ball beautifully and emerging as a match-winner, in a role that has lied vacant since Zaheer’s retirement. However, Arzan is not thinking too deeply about the comparisons to the legendary fast-bowler, with some terming him as India’s answer to Wasim Akram in the coming years.
“It’s a great honour to be compared to such prominent cricketers. However, If I am being frank, I do not wish to compare myself to any player. I want to carve my own legacy. While every individual has their own thought process, this seems like the right approach at least in my case. Having an individual identity will make me happy.”
“At this point of time, I simply wish to showcase my talent and capabilities to members of the Indian team. If they appreciate my performances and believe that I could be a regular pick in the role of a left-arm pacer, then that would definitely give me a lot of happiness.”
The left-arm pacer also has words of praise for leading fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who he believes is the ideal man to emulate for any young bowler looking to make his mark in all three formats of the game.
Arzan has the ability to bowl long spells with the same intensity, maintaining the hunger and desire to strike with a game-changing dismissal. This is an attribute that Bumrah also enjoys, winning Team India numerous matches single-handedly.
Arzan’s capabilities are a major boost to the Indian team’s pace department, with questions over T Natarajan’s fitness as well as the inexperience of Karthik Tyagi. It also provides relief in case of an unfortunate injury to anyone from the trio of Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, with Umesh Yadav capable of blowing hot and cold.
“Bumrah can bowl long spells in Test cricket with the same intensity. That is something which even I have looked to ensure, with prime focus on emerging as a game-changer. His gameplay in the shorter formats has further been exemplary, impressing one and all.”
“Although we have not played together in domestic cricket because Bumrah has been representing India, whenever we have practiced together (at Mumbai Indians), he has always told me to learn as much as I can from everyone – be it from Zaheer bhai or Shane Bond or from anyone,” added Arzan when he had interacted with BCCI.TV.
The secret behind Arzan’s ability to maintain the fire and intensity even after a gruelling session on a hot day, boils down to only one factor: Consistency. The left-arm pacer has seen his fair share of struggle during the short career experienced so far. However, he believes the grind in domestic cricket had its own decisive impact on his gameplay, contributing in a significant manner.
“I maintain the same effort when asked to bowl in a match or a training session. The consistency in approach makes it easier to remain unaffected by the proceedings on the field, maintaining complete focus on the process. One has to be mature and disciplined in their mindset, in order to reach a certain level of success. I further look to ensure emphasis on fitness at any cost, rather than indulging in self-pity. Having the right attitude is very critical.”
“The grind in domestic cricket has helped me understand the importance of routine. How to practice, how to bowl during practice and how to focus on the process and keep following the same, without thinking too much about the result. If you follow the process correctly, you will surely get the desired outcome. In addition to that, it is important to be patient. There is no point comparing yourself with anyone and ponder over why someone else is selected and not me.”
Arzan will be making his first-ever overseas trip, in the upcoming tour of England. However, rather than getting bogged down by nervousness, the left-arm pacer is looking to leave a decisive impact if handed an opportunity in the WTC final or five-match Test series. Arzan could well emerge as India’s answer to New Zealand’s left-arm pacer Neil Wagner if deployed in an interesting move by the team management.
“I will attempt to interact with senior players and coaches to gain further understanding with regard to adapting to English conditions. The current Indian bowling attack backs itself to get the job done on any surface or conditions, which is definitely incredible. The focus will remain on maintaining the right approach and mindset when facing off against the likes of Kane Williamson. Will certainly look to grab the opportunity with both hands in case of an inclusion in the lineup.”
“My experience of playing on Indian pitches where there is limited assistance for bowlers will come in handy in case of a similar track in England. It will help me remain level-headed rather than getting overwhelmed in a scenario where the captain is counting on me to deliver with a crucial dismissal. Bowlers in the Gujarat Ranji team used to watch videos of opposition batsmen, in order to plan their strategies. The same approach is something I will look to maintain, considering how beneficial it is.”
Arzan is also looking to work on his skills with the willow. The same holds great importance as visible during the recently concluded Indian tour of Australia. Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur stitched a game-changing partnership, contributing effectively when the team needed them to step up.
“I am certainly looking to improve as a batsman. Batting is something which I like a lot as well. Sometimes the hard work during net sessions showcases on the field in the form of runs scored and in several cases, it does not. My desire is to emerge as a dependable batsman down the order, who can be trusted enough to provide resistance in a tough scenario.”
While the left-arm pacer is currently enjoying the fruits of his grind in domestic cricket, he still looks back at the 10-wicket haul in a Group A game against Punjab in the 2019/20 season as a turning point in his career. Arzan picked two five-wicket hauls in the clash, bagging the Man of the Match award. This ability to execute his plans effectively has been attributed to former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel, who was the captain of Gujarat until recently.
“I made my debut under him in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2018. The way he uses his mind and operates during the game is completely on a different level. He used to tell me that you must know your role with the ball; be it coming in as a third pacer or taking the new ball. He always highlighted the importance of planning going into the game and told us to believe in ourselves while executing our plans.”
Quality performances for the Indian team usually result in interest from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises as well. Arzan believes that there will be only a slight modification in his gameplay if selected by a team in next edition’s player auction.
“The approach will remain the same. There will be a slight change in mindset, with more focus on variations.”
On a concluding note, Arzan shared his opinion on a performance he would term as akin to a dream.
“It would be lovely if I could record a 10-wicket haul, along with a half-century which proves crucial in the overall context of the game.”
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