The Pahalgam Express: Wasim Bashir’s strike into Ranji cricket

Anantnag, Jan 19: From the serene meadows of Pahalgam to the pitches of the Ranji Trophy, 25-year-old Wasim Bashir is rewriting dreams with sheer speed and determination.

Hailing from the remote Mamal village of Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, this pace sensation has earned a coveted spot in the Jammu and Kashmir senior cricket team for the ongoing Ranji Trophy tournament, replacing the injured Rasikh Salam.

Known for his raw pace, Wasim has previously represented the JK in the Under-25 team, where he consistently troubled batsmen with his speed.

He was also shortlisted for Indian Premier League (IPL) trials twice.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir on his selection over the phone, Wasim expressed his excitement about making his senior team debut. "I will try my level best to make the most of this opportunity," he said.

A firm believer in hard work and focus, Wasim said, "I don’t think much about the end results. The only thing I believe in is remaining focused on whatever I do."

According to Wasim, pace comes to him naturally, however, the key to consistency and improvement comes that through ‘rigorous’ fitness routines.

India has historically struggled to produce express bowlers, but recent years have seen a change with the emergence of pacers who regularly clock speeds over 145 km/h.

Among them is Umran Malik from Jammu, who made waves with his blistering pace, even surpassing the 150 km/h mark during the 2022 IPL season.

Wasim too has also grabbed the same attention after a video went viral on social media a few years ago when some journalists showcased Wasim’s extreme pace, consistently troubling the batters.

Wasim completed his schooling at Government Higher Secondary School, Pahalgam, and then pursued his bachelors.

He honed his skills at Bijbehara Sports Club, a team renowned for producing several cricketers who have represented JK.

These include former JK captain and pacer Abdul Qayoom Bagaw, as well as all-rounder Parvez Rasool, pacer Aasif Rasool, batsman Aaqib Mir, and pacer Mujtaba Yousuf.

Recently, Yawar Azam, another batsman from Bijbehara who played for the same club, was also selected for Ranji Cricket.

He had earlier played under-23 and scored a double century.

Now, with his determination and natural talent, Wasim Bashir is poised to follow in the footsteps of these cricketing stalwarts and make a mark on the national and international stage.