Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan has admitted that he is not in good form heading into the all-important ODI World Cup in India. It is the first time that exception of Mohammad Nawaz, Babar Azam’s Pakistan team is playing cricket in this country and they will look to utilize the Sub-continental conditions to put an impressive performance in the marquee event.
The bowling performance of Pakistan’s team was closely examined, and they will be missing Nassem Shah’s services in the event. Shadab Khan had a disappointing run during the Asia Cup, but he sees it as a learning opportunity. He managed to take six wickets during the tournament, with four of them coming against the lower-ranked Nepal and the all-rounder would look to turn things around in the ODI World Cup.
Speaking to the media, Shadab Khan believes that cricket is beautiful because it provides chances for improvement and development. After the Asia Cup, the team had a break, which Shadab considers vital for mental relaxation. He stressed that cricket has become a mental game, particularly in high-pressure situations like the World Cup.
“From a cricketing point of view, 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 a good rest, and I believe it’s no more a skill game but a mental game, and it’s the World Cup. You can make good decisions when you are relaxed mentally,” Shadab Khan said.
Shadab Khan has shown remarkable maturity in recent times, winning plenty of games for his country. His presence on the side gives it a complete and finished look. He has done an outstanding job for Pakistan in both white-ball formats. Additionally, he is a proficient fielder, excelling both as a catcher and fielder.
We Back Fakhar Zaman As He Is World-class Player – Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan firmly believes in age-old cricket saying that while batters may win games, it is the bowlers who win tournaments. He has expressed his confidence in the Pakistan bowling unit and has come out in support of Fakhar Zaman, who has been facing criticism.
“He is a big player for us, an impactful player, and whenever he performs, the team wins. His three centuries this year have come in winning causes and every team wants this kind of player to play for their side. We have no doubt about his ability, and we back him as he is a world-class player,” Shadab Khan added.
There is no doubt that Fakhar Zaman can turn around a game and win a match on his own. His aggressive intent at the top allows batters around him like Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam to take time and settle and the left-handed batter would look to turn things around in the ODI World Cup in India.