Afghan tells Dhoni’s IPL promise to Shahzad if he lost 20 Kg. Mohammad Shahzad admires MS Dhoni and bats in a similar approach to him.
Former India captain MS Dhoni has inspired millions of people all around the world and has a big fan base not only in India but all over the world. Afghanistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Shahzad is a great follower of Dhoni. Notably, Shahzad enjoys playing shots like the ‘Captain Cool’ and has even competed against him in a few bouts.
Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan recently disclosed that he had a lengthy discussion with Dhoni regarding Shahzad following India’s draw with Afghanistan during the Asia Cup 2018. He went on to say that the famed Indian skipper had offered to include Shahzad on his IPL squad provided he shed 20 pounds. However, Afghan stated that instead of reducing 20 kg, Shahzad gained five kg after returning to Afghanistan following the Asia Cup 2018.
“I had a long conversation with MS Dhoni after the tied match.” He is a fantastic skipper and a godsend for Indian cricket. He is a decent person. “We talked a lot about Mohammad Shahzad,” Asghar Afghan told the Times of India.
“I told Dhoni bhai that Shahzad is a big fan of yours.” Dhoni stated that Shahzad has a large stomach and that if he drops 20 kg, he would be selected for the IPL. “However, when Shahzad returned to Afghanistan following the series, he gained 5 kgs (laughs),” he continued.
Notably, the draw against Afghanistan was Dhoni’s final game as India captain. Mohammad Shahzad struck a superb 124 (116) to help Afghanistan reach 252/8 in their allocated 50 overs. In response, India needed seven runs in the last over against Rashid Khan, which Ravindra Jadeja faced. With India needing one run to win, the southpaw blasted the penultimate ball straight to deep midwicket. As a consequence, the game was tied.
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The tied match of the 2018 Asia Cup was the best moment for me: Asghar Afghan
Asghar Afghan considers that game against India to be the most memorable of his career since he tied the game with his tactical genius.
“The 2018 Asia Cup tied match was the best moment for me.” That was the perfect pairing. Both the Afghan and Indian supporters were tense. India needed one out of two balls. I opted to position Najib (Najibullah Zadran) in the middle of the field. I knew Jadeja would make some space, (attempt to) smash the ball, and then make the catch. And he did the same thing. “I will give Rashid credit for bowling well and according to plan,” Afghan remarked.
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