In an exclusive interview, Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer in ODI cricket, opens up about his remarkable journey in cricket and his aspirations for the game. Often dubbed the “Afghan Wall,” Rahmat Shah discusses his transition from a leg-break bowler to a top-order batsman, a transformation guided by former Pakistani Test cricketer Ijaz Ahmed. He shares insights into his role as an anchor in the team, his passion for the game, and the responsibility of taking Afghanistan’s cricket to new heights.
The interview covers his early days playing tape ball cricket in Afghanistan, his introduction to hardball cricket, and the influence of senior players like Nawroz Mangal, Hamid Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, and Karim Sadiq. Rahmat Shah’s cricketing journey is a testament to dedication and hard work, as he recalls watching matches in nearby villages due to a lack of television in his own, and later, making his debut as a batsman in 2013.
As a leg-break bowler turned batsman, Rahmat Shah shares the pivotal moment when Ijaz Ahmed recognized his batting potential and recommended that he bat higher up the order. Since then, he has been a consistent performer for Afghanistan, often playing the anchor role to set up the team for late-innings acceleration.
The interview also touches on Afghanistan’s limited exposure to Test cricket and the importance of playing more Test matches to establish themselves in the format. Rahmat Shah credits experienced coach Andy Moles for his development and reflects on the team’s dynamics, where he focuses on contributing to victories rather than seeking the limelight.
Rahmat Shah discusses his individual goals, including scoring a hundred against every Test nation and reaching the milestone of 10,000 runs for his country. He also sheds light on the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup, emphasizing the significance of spinners like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi in the team’s performance.
Addressing the comparisons to Virat Kohli, Rahmat Shah modestly acknowledges the compliment but highlights the emergence of young talent like Ibrahim Zadran as the future of Afghan cricket. He prefers the moniker “Afghan Wall” as it reflects his role as a dependable and resilient batsman.
In conclusion, Rahmat Shah expresses his determination to make a mark in the World Cup, leveraging the familiarity of conditions in Asia and the team’s preparedness to achieve something extraordinary. With Shahidi’s ambitious goals and a focused team, Afghanistan aims to leave a lasting impact on the tournament and the world of cricket.
- Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
