Shalabh Sriwastava is one of a breed rarely sighted in the Indian sub-continent - left arm medium pacer. A tall lad who generates most of his pace from a high arm action, Sriwastava opened the bowling for the Indians in the Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka with great success. His arm action helps him land the ball in the spot with high accuracy. It is this accuracy that most coaches look for in a young fast bowler.

Bowling from close to the stumps, Sriwastava relies on nagging accuracy more than pace to pick up his wickets. He possesses the ability to move the new ball both off the wicket and in the air. Keeping the ball full, Sriwastava always makes the batsmen play. Sriwastava already possesses a handy yorker and is looking to add a properly disguised slower ball to his armoury.

That he topped the wicket taker's list (14 wickets at 17.57 apiece) for India in the Under-19 World Cup says quite a bit, for the tournament was played on slow, turning tracks. Sriwastava has shown that he is prepared to work hard for success. He has also displayed a deep desire to succeed at the highest level.