Ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan vice-captain and wrist-spinner Shadab Khan has lauded Rohit Sharma by saying he is the toughest batter to bowl to. Shadab also stated that left-arm chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav as the most solid Indian bowler. Over a while Kuldeep has been a terrific form and was also named the Player of the Tournament in the Asia Cup.
In the recently passed game against India during the Super 4s stage of the 2023 Asia Cup, Shadab Khan bowled an ordinary spell where he conceded 71 runs in his 10 overs and took just a wicket. As a result, the Men in Blue ended up scoring a massive total of 356/2.
"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.
Talking about Pakistan’s warmup game against New Zealand, the Men in Green failed to defend a 346-run target. Pakistan has always been known for its solid bowling attack but after this performance, their bowlers are under scrutiny.
"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’s next warm-up clash with Australia is set to take place on October 3 and also holds significant value. Shadab’s form is crucial for Pakistan and if they want to pit pressure on the opponents, the wrist spinner needs to contribute with a few economical spells in the middle overs. Pakistan will start their World Cup campaign on October 6 against the Netherlands.