Pakistani all-rounder Shadab Khan has shared an unexpected revelation about his favorite Indian cricketers during a press conference held in Hyderabad on Sunday, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
The leg-spinner named Indian captain Rohit Sharma as his preferred Indian batter and lauded spinner Kuldeep Yadav as his favorite bowler.
Shadab Khan's admiration for Rohit Sharma is unlikely as he has a close friendship with Virat Kohli and it was expected that he would take his name as best batsman.
But, he described Rohit Sharman as a highly dangerous batsman once he settled in and expressed the difficulty in dismissing him.
In terms of bowlers, Shadab showcased a particular fondness for Kuldeep Yadav, especially considering his own expertise as a leg-spinner. He commended Yadav's form and his ability to excel even on flat pitches in India.
Shadab Khan also offered insights into the upcoming mega cricket event, emphasizing the significance of strong bowling performances.
He believes that in the challenging conditions of the tournament, the team that can effectively control the flow of runs and secure wickets will emerge victorious.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of the World Cup, Shadab stressed the importance of fitness and adapting to the conditions. He highlighted the setback caused by Naseem Shah's injury and expressed the team's need to avoid further injuries.
Shadab Khan's admiration for Indian cricketers adds an interesting dimension to the already intense rivalry between the neighboring cricket nations.
Notably, the Pakistan cricket team arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, India, on Wednesday, gearing up for their participation in the highly anticipated event. They recently contested a warm-up match against New Zealand, which ended in a five-wicket loss.
As their World Cup journey begins, the Green Shirts are scheduled to face Australia in their second warm-up match on October 3 before their campaign officially kicks off against the Netherlands on October 6.