The much anticipated IND vs. PAK clash of Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 stage is all set to be played on 10th September. And ahead of the high-octane fixture, India’s young batting sensation Shaheen Afridi has given a shocking statement for Pakistan’s Pace attack. Notably, when Shubman Gill faced Shaheen & Co in India’s opening clash of the Asia Cup it was his first face-off with Pakistan’s fiery pace attack at the International front. His struggle on the field was quite evident as he failed to score a single run in the initial overs of the fixture.
IND vs. PAK: Shubman Gill opened up about Shaheen Afridi’s Pace
Shubman Gill shared his experience when he faced the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah for the first time. Gill said that the major reason behind the difficulty Indian batters encounter when they face Pakistan’s bowling attack is that they don’t get enough chances to face quality Pakistan bowling attack. Notably, India & Pakistan do not play bilateral series & they only come into a face-off during marquee events such as Asia Cup & World Cup.
Talking about India’s struggles with Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, Gill said in a pre-match press conference,
“When you are playing at this level, you play left-armer pacers previously at some point of your career. We do not play Pakistan that much as compared to the other sides. They have a quality bowling attack. When you do not face such a bowling attack frequently and are not used to it, it makes a difference.”
When asked about the difference between him & his opener partner Rohit Sharma & how this contrasting combination works for them Gill said that this contrast makes it difficult for bowlers to restrict them.
Further highlighting about the difference between him & Rohit, Shubman said that he likes to play along the ground in powerplay overs. While Rohit likes to take on bowlers aerially. And this unique combination works well for us. He also said that this difference makes it difficult for bowlers to restrict their run flow.
IND vs PAK: “Babar Azam is a World Class Player”, says Gill
When questioned about whether young Indian batters follow Pakistan Captain Babar Azam’s batting Shubman Gill responded positively by terming him a “World-Class Player”.
He said that they follow him because there is a fact that if a player does well everyone follows them as they want to know why they are doing so well. What’s their specialty or secret behind their good performances? The same thing goes with Babr Azam. He went on to praise Pakistan’s Captain by calling him a world-class player. He also said that all budding cricketers in the Indian team admire Babar.
Shubman Gill highlights team India’s strategy with ODI World Cup 2023 in Picture
Shubman Gill said that their team is clear about the roles & batting positions. He also emphasized on team’s strategy of laying a solid foundation & then dominating the proceedings. He looked positive about the team’s form & said that they are ready for the World Cup Challenge.
Also read, Who is Shubman Gill’s Girlfriend? Are Shubman & Sara Dating