Last Update on: November 19th, 2023 at 05:33 pm
Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi made a bold claim on the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia. He said that the Rohit Sharma-led might lose the game because of the overconfidence.
Shahid Afridi’s comment came when India lost Shreyas Iyer in the final of the ICC World Cup against Australia. During a live show on Samaa TV, he was asked about the pressure that will be on the Indian players, playing in front of the full-house Ahmedabad Stadium.
Shahid Afridi said that pressure won’t be much on Indian players because they are grown up playing in front of these crowds. He highlighted that India has won continuously which might come to haunt them. The former Pakistan cricketer also said that Shubman Gill wasted the opportunity he had. He explained:
“There’s nothing about pressure on India players because they are grown up playing between such huge crowds. They are confident players and international cricket is all about handling pressure. Indian players are aware of it. But when you win continuously, you tend to get overconfident, which kills you.
“It was a big opportunity for Shubman Gill, he played the wrong shot as it wasn’t that delivery to get out. In big finals, where the pressure is high and the Stadium is packed, you’ll get to see big match players yourself who are mentally and physically strong.”
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi says India could lose the World Cup final because of their overconfidence 👀💯 #CWC23Final #INDvsAUSfinalpic.twitter.com/ODoJqYbw5N
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 19, 2023
India has been asked to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They were off to a decent start thanks to skipper Rohit Sharma (47). Shubman Gill (4) couldn’t get going as he lost his wicket early. The Indian captain went back in the 10th over.
After his wicket, Shreyas Iyer (4) perished as well putting India under pressure. Virat Kohli (50) and KL Rahul played well and hit vital half-centuries. Kohli perished after a vital start and Ravindra Jadeja (9) couldn’t get going at all.
IND vs AUS: KL Rahul perishes after slamming vital half-century
Australian bowlers are keeping things tight and are putting India under tremendous pressure. KL Rahul was looking set for a big ton but Mitchell Starc removed him with a jaffa. The Australian pacer bowled a length ball from round the wicket that straightened off the deck.
KL Rahul got squared up and poked at it. The ball swung reversely sharp and sent the batter packing. The keeper-batter scored 66 runs off 107 balls. He also smashed one four in his innings and bailed his team out of trouble when they lost early wickets.
