‘I don’t think one player can make a difference’ – Sourav Ganguly reacts on Shaheen Afridi’s absence in Asia Cup 2022
Shaheen Afridi was named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell against India at the 2021 T20 World Cup.
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly believes that Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi’s absence will not benefit Team India as he doesn’t believe only one player can make a difference.
Afridi, who was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 owing to an injury, has been a prolific wicket-taker for the Pakistan team. Notably, he picked up the wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and then Virat Kohli when the two teams last met at the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Despite being a pure match-winner, Ganguly firmly believes that the pacer’s absence will not have any significant effect. “I do not believe a single player can make a difference.” It is a collaborative effort. We also do not have Jasprit Bumrah,” he said to India Today when asked about Shaheen Afridi’s absence.
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However, the Men in Blue will also be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, who were ruled out of the continental event due to their respective injuries.
Hardik Pandya adds a lot to the team: Sourav Ganguly
Ganguly also feels that Hardik Pandya’s return is a big boost for the Rohit Sharma-led side. Pandya didn’t bowl much in the 2021 T20 World Cup but he has recovered and is now bowling comfortably regularly.
“Absolutely… He adds a lot to the team with his bowling. He was not able to bowl last year, but he is returned. As a result, he is a significant contribution,” he added.
India will lock horns with the Men in Green on Sunday, August 28, at the Dubai International Stadium. It is the same venue where the Babar Azam-led side handed India a humiliating 10-wicket defeat last time.
The defending champions will be fully charged up to avenge their loss and commence the six-team event on a good note. The tournament is also crucial for the preparations for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.
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