IND vs PAK: If Shaheen Afridi Would Have Played, It Would Have Been Good Experience For Us - KL Rahul

Indian batter KL Rahul on Friday mentioned that the absence of Shaheen Afridi from Pakistan’s side will rob them of facing quality bowling in the Asia Cup.

Shaheen is recovering from a knee injury sustained during the Sri Lanka Test series in July. The left-arm pacer will at least need four to six weeks to recover from the injury and is currently being monitored by the PCB medical staff.

Shaheen will miss the continental Asia Cup followed by the seven-match T20I series against England starting in late September. The lanky pacer is expected to return for the tri-series against New Zealand and Bangladesh in October. 

Shaheen starred during Pakistan’s emphatic 10-wicket win against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The lanky left-arm pacer claimed the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Rahul and Virat Kohli to restrict India to a below-par score.

Shaheen Afridi is a world-class bowler: KL Rahul

During a press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan marquee clash of the Asia Cup, Rahul was asked about how Shaheen’s absence will change India’s game plan.

The Indian vice-captain said that had the Pakistan speedster been available to play, it would allow Indian batters to test themselves against a quality bowler like Shaheen. 

“Our mindset was that we play a quality bowler. I’ve see how Shaheen Shah Afridi has performed in the last two years. He is a world-class bowler, he is a quality bowler. Left-arm seamers right now in world cricket are the most dangerous and they are causing problems for batters,” Rahul said in a press conference. 

“If he would have played, it would have been a good experience for us. Unfortunately, he is injured,” he added.

Shaheen Afridi would have wanted to play this India-Pakistan game: KL Rahul

Rahul recently led India in the three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe after coming from a six-month international break. He missed the England tour to undergo a sports hernia in Germany during that period.

A couple of days ago, India and Pakistan players were seen chatting with each other during training sessions. Afridi was seen speaking to the likes of Rahul, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.

The Karnataka batter explained how difficult it is for a player to miss out on games due to injuries and showed support to Shaheen for the same.

“As players, we have always battled injuries. For 2-3 months, I myself have been in the academy (NCA). It is a very frustrating time as a player, the pain you go through, the frustration of missing games. Even he would have wanted to play this India-Pakistan game. You share a little bit of concern and experience. There was nothing more to it,” Rahul said.

India and Pakistan will play their first game of the Asia Cup 2022 on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Also Read: Watch- Shaheen Afridi Catches Up With Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, And Yuzvendra Chahal Ahead Of India vs Pakistan Clash In Asia Cup 2022