The announcement last week that Nayan Doshi was leaving Surrey came as a shock to everyone with an interest in county cricket. Doshi has captured the imagination of thousands of youngsters who love the thrills and spills of 20-20 cricket with his beautifully flighted left arm spin and animated wicket taking celebrations.
Doshi became the first bowler to take 50 wickets in the ECB domestic 20-20 competition and has proved beyond doubt that slow bowling is the key to winning 20 over games. Batsmen arriving at the crease find there is no pace to work with when the spinners are on and their attempts to hit the boundaries they perceive need to be hit often result in stumpings or catches on the rope.
Doshi has been an integral part of Surrey's domestic 20-20 success so there was great surprise in his exit. An old fashioned slow left armer with deceptive flight, Doshi will surely be snapped up by another county eager to make use of his undoubted talent. There are many who feel he should have been part of England's 20-20 World Championship squad, such has been Doshi's influence on the game in this country. Perhaps with the odd injury and a bit of luck, he will receive the recognition he deserves. Here's an interesting thought - if Monty Panesar was injured and England needed to play a spinner in either test or limited overs cricket, who would get the nod? The answer can't be that far away from the ex-Surrey man.
One thing's for sure, Nayan Doshi is champing at the bit to play for his country and the upcoming South African competition to decide the best 20-20 side in the world would be the perfect place to start.
Wello
