Sydney Thunder teen Tanveer Sangha’s ride from BBL debut to Australian T20 team

He’s a rising star of cricket who made his BBL debut just over a month ago. Now this teen cricketer from Sydney Thunder has made the leap into an Australian team.

Tanveer Sangha has been named in the Australian T20 squad.

As debuts go it was pretty impressive and something Sydney teenager Tanveer Sangha will long remember. But being named in the Australian T20 team to tour New Zealand on Wednesday may top it.

The young bowler from Sydney’s west was one of just three NSW players to make the cut for the Australian men’s Twenty20 International squad to tour New Zealand.

Daniel Sams was also named in the 18-strong squad along with Adam Zampa.

Tanveer Sangha of the Thunder takes off the bails as Moises Henriques of the Sixers.

“We are fortunate to have some excellent all-rounders to choose from which is reflected in the selections of Mitch Marsh, Daniel Sams and Ashton Agar along with the likes of Maxwell and Stoinis,’’ said national selector Trevor Hohns ahead of the five-game series.

“Adam Zampa has developed into one of the best spinners in international white ball cricket and we have been most impressed by Tanveer Sangha, who has been brilliant throughout the pathways and with the Sydney Thunder this season.’’

Hohns said the five-game series against the Black Caps would provide an excellent opportunity for several breakout performers from the BBL to showcase their talents on the international stage and to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup in India later this year.

Tanveer Sangha warms up with a soccer drill.

“In a World Cup year it’s exciting to select a squad that combines some of the biggest names in international T20 cricket with the best emerging players in the country,” Hohns said.

“We like the balance of this squad for what should be a thrilling series against the Black Caps.’’

In his Big Bash debut in December 19-year-old Sangha showed extraordinary composure to take a wicket in his third ball of BBL cricket and then another to help Sydney Thunder to their win over the Melbourne Stars in the next game.

But calm wasn’t how the Ingleburn cricketer described himself when he heard the news he would make his BBL debut for Thunder in their first game of the season.

Sydney Thunder legspinner Tanveer Sangha is a rising star of the game.

“It was unreal, I couldn't believe it,’’ he said.

“I found out the day before. The coach called me into his room and I was like ‘really, are you sure’. I couldn’t believe it.

“He said “yeah, yeah mate, you are playing. We trust you.’

“I didn’t know what to do next. I wanted to ring dad, mum, my sister. But I had to sit down and just absorb it.’’

Sangha said despite his nerves he managed to get a good nights sleep before the game and distracted himself beforehand listening to music.

Jordan Silk of the Sixers makes the crease as Tanveer Sangha takes the ball during the Big Bash League match between the two Sydney sides.

“I can’t remember what it was though. I just didn’t want to think about it. I was trying to zone in so I wasn’t nervous,’’ he said.

“I did have sweaty hands though.’’

Sangha, who plays for Campbelltown Camden in NSW Premier Cricket, said taking his first wicket on his third delivery was “unbelievable’’.

“Every ball, every over, I was calmer,’’ he said.

“When I got one off my first ball I was so pumped.’’

Since the match and outside training, Sangha has been doing an assortment of activities to keep himself busy.

“I love my sleep so I’ve been catching up on that,’' he said.

“I’ve been watching Netflix, we have a games room here so I’ve been playing table tennis and basketball and some jenga.’’

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