Pakistan’s former skipper Shahid Afridi has applauded Suryakumar Yadav for the kind of shots he has developed over time.
Afridi also lashed out at Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan and advised him to develop a few more shots in order to be successful in a mega tournament like T20 World Cup.
Shahid Afridi believes domestic circuit experience proved crucial for Suryakumar Yadav
India’s explosive batter Suryakumar Yadav played some extraordinary shots in the game against Zimbabwe which included a surreal six over a fine leg against an outside off delivery which was quite impressive. On the same day, Mohammad Rizwan played a run-a-ball 32 runs innings as he’s struggling with his form in the World Cup.
Mohammad Rizwan was once asked if he wanted to change his game plan given that the opposition has now been studying his strategy and outsmarting him to which Rizwan replied that he would continue to play the way he does. The anchor on Samaa TV asked Afridi about this approach by Mohammad Rizwan.
The former captain replied, “Bilkul theek kaha. Sabse important cheez jo mention huya hai ki 200-250 domestic matches khel ke woh India team main aaya hai. Uss ladke ko apni game ka pata hai. Jitni bhi shotein marta hai woh achi ball o pe bhi maarta hai because uss cheez ki usne practice ki hai. Jitni skill aapke paas hogi utne ache impact wale player aap honge. Toh apko shots develop karne parenge, yeh format hi waisa hai. “
There has been constant competition between Mohammad Rizwan and Suryakumar Yadav as both of them are the most vital batters for their teams in the shortest format. Both Rizwan and Surya have been in the top 3 batters rankings for quite some time now and hence people do compare their approaches.
Mohammad Rizwan has faced some criticism during this World Cup and in the past as well for his low strike rate which makes things difficult for the inexperienced middle order. Shahid Afridi’s comment that Rizwan should learn from Suryakumar Yadav and learn a few more shots can put some additional pressure on Rizwan just ahead of their semi-final game against the Kiwis on November 9.