“During the encounter with Shahin Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar remained silent about Rohit Sharma’s struggle.
In the Asia Cup 2023, during his match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma celebrated the wicket of Pakistan’s Shahin Afridi (ANI).
India once again had to contend with the rapid left-arm pacers from Pakistan in their opening match of the 2023 Asia Cup, and Shahin Afridi troubled them with his formidable bowling. Shahin had previously wreaked havoc on the top order of India during the 2021 T20 World Cup, and before the ongoing continental tournament, India had also included uncapped Indian left-arm fast bowler Ankith Chaudhary in their ranks for the six-day match series. Alur training camp. However, on the day of the match, India’s top-ranked Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled against Shahin’s deadly in-swingers.
After deciding to bat, Rohit had an uncertain start due to a rain delay, and when the game resumed, Shahin adjusted his approach with an eye on exploiting the pitch conditions. On the third ball, he swiftly moved one to dismiss Rohit Sharma. Just an over later, he got the better of Virat Kohli, marking the second instance in his international career where the great batsman fell victim to his out-of-delivery and the stumps went flying.
Rohit was dismissed on the first ball against Shahin Afridi in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and since scoring 140 runs against the team in the 2019 World Cup, he has had to struggle against Pakistan in four T20 encounters. The super four phase of the India vs. Pakistan match will take place on Sunday, with Rohit facing pressure once again. However, former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed frustration over Rohit’s approach against Shahin.
Akhtar believes that Shahin has instilled fear in Rohit’s mind, and when the Indian batsman faces Pakistan’s fast bowler, he is forced to change his predetermined patterns. “Is this Rohit Sharma or not? This is a double stunt. Shahin has got into his mind. (This is not the same Rohit Sharma. This is a double stunt. Shahin has won over his mind). I have never seen him change his stance while facing him, but what was happening there? The stance changed, he was beaten, he got bold,” Akhtar said during a virtual press conference organized by Star Sports. Shoaib Akhtar Profile
A critical early spell by Shahin Afridi in Pallekele was essential to hold India to 66/4. Before this, Ishan Kishan (82) and Hardik Pandya (87) rescued the team, eventually taking India to a competitive score of 266.
Big matches are coming up. India’s hopes in the Super Four round of the Asia Cup are heavily reliant on their star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The Super Four tournament begins with a rematch against bitter rivals Pakistan, followed by games against Sri Lanka and the reigning champions, Bangladesh. Last year, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the T20 edition of the tournament, while India had to face a defeat at the hands of Pakistan during the Super Four stage.”
