Pakistan vice-captain and leg-spinner Shadab Khan has hailed India skipper Rohit Sharma as the ‘most difficult batter to bowl to’ ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. Shadab also singled out Kuldeep Yadav as the most formidable Indian bowler. Kuldeep has been in outstanding form and was recently named the Player of the Tournament in the Asia Cup.
In his most recent appearance against India during the Super 4s stage of the 2023 Asia Cup, Shadab Khan’s performance was rather subdued. He managed to take just one wicket while conceding 71 runs in his 10 overs, as the Men in Blue posted a formidable total of 356/2. With the bat, his contribution was minimal, scoring only 6 runs.
“I admire Rohit Sharma a lot and, among the leading batsmen in the world, he is the most difficult to bowl at. Once he gets set, he becomes very dangerous. Among the bowlers, since I am a leg-spinner, it will be Kuldeep Yadav given his recent form,” Shadab told the reporters in Hyderabad.
Pakistan couldn’t defend their 346-run target against New Zealand, prompting some serious contemplation regarding their bowling lineup. A particular cause for concern is the performance of their premier spinner, Shadab, who refrained from bowling in the warm-up match and had a disappointing run in the Asia Cup.
The upcoming warm-up clash with Australia on October 3 holds significant importance. Shadab’s form is crucial for Pakistan, especially in the middle overs. The 24-year-old openly acknowledged his struggles in the Asia Cup, where he managed just four of his six wickets against Nepal and ended with an average of 40.83.
“The Asia Cup didn’t go well but that’s the beauty of cricket you learn from your mistakes and there is always an opportunity to learn and play good cricket. After we lost the Asia Cup we got good rest and I believe it’s no more a skill game but a mental game and it’s the World Cup situation. You can take good decisions when you are relaxed mentally.”
Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign on October 6 against the Netherlands.
