IPL 2021: Shams Mulani drops UK plan to join Delhi Capitals

Shams Mulani. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Mumbai Ranji Trophy team's left-arm spinner Shams Mulani, 24, who was scheduled to leave for the United Kingdom next week to join Todmorden CC in the Lancashire League, has had a sudden change of plan. He has joined Delhi Capitals (DC) squad in Chennai.

DC have brought in Mulani as a short-term COVID-19 replacement for Axar Patel after the left-arm spinner tested positive for the virus during his mandatory quarantine period. Mulani, who was with Mumbai Indians as a net bowler during the last edition of the IPL, had attended selection trials for the DC two years ago. Prior to the start of this IPL, DC had called Mulani for the selection trials again, but due to the COVID-19 restrictions, he was unable to attend.

"I was not expecting a call from DC. I was to leave for the UK to play for Todmorden Club in the Lancashire League. I was in the process of going for my police clearance for the visa procedure. That's when DC manager Siddharth Bhasin called me and asked if I'd be interested in joining them. I agreed. No one can let go of such a good opportunity," Mulani told mid-day from Chennai on Thursday.

Mulani, who took nine wickets and scored 91 runs in six games as Mumbai emerged champions in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last month, said that he was unable to sleep through Wednesday night due to the excitement of playing in the IPL. Previously, in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, he returned with four scalps in three games. "I'm very excited. It's every player's dream to play the IPL. Yesterday, I couldn't sleep, because I didn't know what was happening as everything happened so quickly. Finally, now I think it has all sunk in," added Mulani, who is currently serving his seven-day quarantine phase.

Meanwhile, Todmorden CC are disappointed. "Given my current form, they felt I would be a good addition to their team, so they are pretty gutted that I'm not joining but I can't do anything about it," he said.

Mulani said he's ready to absorb IPL's pressure. "It's all about trusting your skills. I've been doing that pretty well in the last couple of [domestic] seasons. Yes, there is some pressure, but it's also a great platform for me to showcase my ability and I am looking forward to it," Mulani concluded.