Rahul Shukla at the regional trial. Telegraph picture

Jamshedpur, Jan. 28: The thunderbolts unleashed by him have floored several batsmen. But it was not just the speed, which earned him a slot at the MRF Pace Foundation, Chennai.

Rahul Shukla, the well-built medium-pacer from the city, has also been able to impress coaches with his movement and stamina.

Shukla has already left for Chennai to hone his skills under legendary fast bowler Denis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation. He is among the 10-odd emerging seamers from the country who have been selected for a three-and-a-half week training under Lillee.

The youngster, considered as the fastest medium-pacer in Jharkhand, was among the two candidates in the under-19 age category who was selected for the regional selection trials organised by Gatorade Pacers in New Delhi on January 13. Shukla’s entry for the regional trials got through after he was picked up here during the selection trials for medium-pacers organised in the city by Gatorade Pacers on January 8.

The emerging seamer, who manages a speed above 125kmph, displayed his prowess at the regional trials only to be selected for the final proceedings at New Delhi on January 21. From there on, Shukla’s entry to the famed portals of MRF Pace Foundation was just a matter of time.

“I’m very happy with the turn of things earlier this week. Shukla has the kind of pace that can rattle good batsmen even on placid pitches,” said Randhir Singh, his coach and mentor. Singh, a former medium-pacer, trains Shukla at his coaching camp — Jarial Cricket Academy.

According to Singh, Shukla bowled at 131kmph at the final trials and also moved the ball both ways.

“Shukla has the ability to move the ball off the wicket but needs more attention as far as getting the cherry to swing in the air. A stint under Lillee would benefit Shukla a lot,” he pointed out.

Son of a miner with the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), Shukla dropped anchor at Jamshedpur in January last year. Originally from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, the 18-year-old sensation came into the reckoning after displaying his skills during the under-19 district league. Later, he was picked for the state colt outfit earlier this year. The youngster scalped 25 wickets.

Varun Aaron is the other medium-pacer from the steel city who’s been quite a regular at the MRF Pace Foundation.