India and Pakistan will open their respective 2022 T20 World Cup campaigns going head to head against each other on October 23. Before the IND vs PAK T20WC clash, Gautam Gambhir has some advice for the Indian batters.
Notably, PAK pacer Shaheen Afridi had bothered India immensely during the 2021 T20 WC game between the arch-rivals.
Gambhir urges batsmen to attack Shaheen during the upcoming IND vs PAK T20WC match
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is of the opinion that the Men in Blue should be positive against Pakistan’s dangerous fast-bowler in the October 23 game.
Courage is the biggest constituent for success in cricket and if the Indian batsmen do no want to crumble in a fashion similar to their 2021 World Cup debacle, they have to show courage and score runs off Shaheen Shah Afridi, feels Gambhir.
Gautam quotes to Star Sports, “When it comes to Shaheen, don’t look to survive. Look to score runs from him. Because the moment you look to survive (lose courage)… Everything becomes really small.”
Shaheen Afridi had eaten away India’s top three during IND vs PAK match in 2021 T20WC, dismissing Rohit and Rahul in his first 7 balls itself. Later, he had also dismissed a well-set Kohli.
Gautam Gambhir acknowledges that but still has demanded India to attack him; but focus on timing and not hitting the ball hard.
“I know that he (Shaheen Shah Afridi) can be dangerous with the new ball. But again, irrespective, the Indian batters need to score more runs, get into better positions and look to time the balls rather than to hit it”.
Interestingly, Shaheen Afridi was only recently declared fit for the 2022 T20WC and it still isn’t clear how physically charged he will be during the IND vs PAK match on October 23.
If the Indian Top-order can make the most of his lack of game-time or full fitness, it’ll bode right for them. Moreover, Gambhir believes there’s enough quality in India’s top 4 (Rohit, Rahul, Kohli and Surya) for them to deal with Shaheen’s left-arm.
Gautam Gambhir, the top-scorer of IND vs SL 2011 ODI World Cup (97) and IND vs PAK 2007 T20WC final (75) turns 41 years-old today.