Rahmanullah Gurbaz the explosive opener from Afghanistan fearlessly declares his mindset ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against India on Thursday June 20. Gurbaz is bracing himself for a stern challenge from a quality bowling attack that boasts players like Jasprit Bumrah.
However, the swashbuckling opener has stated that he is not only focused on Jasprit Bumrah, but on all of India’s bowlers in the upcoming match against Afghanistan. Rather of focusing on the bowlers’ reputations, Gurbaz remarked that he will take his shots if the ball is in his zone.
Here’s what Rahmanullah Gurbaz said in a video released by the ICC prior of the match versus India:
“Honestly, my target is not just Jasprit Bumrah. I will look to target all (Indian) bowlers because there are five bowlers and I have to tackle them. It’s not just a battle against Bumrah. Maybe another bowler could get me out. But yes, If I get a chance to hit him (Bumrah), let’s go for it. It could be Bumrah, Arshdeep or Siraj. If anyone bowls in my area, then I’ll hit them. Either I’ll hit them or I will get out.”
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz excelling in the 2024 T20 World Cup currently leads Afghanistan in runs scored. Accumulating 167 runs in four innings at a phenomenal strike rate exceeding 150 he plays a pivotal role in providing explosive starts for his team.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz on Afghanistan’s mindset shift in World Cups
Rahmanullah Gurbaz claims that Afghanistan is no longer merely interested in competing in ICC events such as the T20 World Cup. He believes they are real title challengers with all of their quality players, and he believes the mindset shift has also been significant in the locker room.
In the same video, he commented:
“We’ve played in the World Cups before, but there’s a huge difference (this time). Previously, our mindset was just to participate in the World Cup. But now our mindset is that we should go and be the champions. There’s no pressure on us to be champions. We don’t have those expectations. But we’re taking it one game at a time. Our focus is on that and hope we achieve our goals and qualify for the semi-final first and then to the final.”
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
During this years T20I series India dominated Afghanistan securing a 30 victory on home turf. A notable encounter included a double Super Over emphasizing Afghanistans competitive spirit and credibility on the cricket field.