Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan praised Rohit Sharma’s decision to give Ravi Bishnoi the second super during the third T20I against Afghanistan. Zaheer Khan described it as a smart and brave move and added that the team management deserves praise for it.
Ravi Bishnoi played a crucial role in defending a 12-wicket wicket in the second Super Over at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 17. He dismissed Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in three balls, contributing to India’s successful result.
You have to back your instincts and your thinking – Zaheer Khan
During a discussion at Colors Cineplex, Zaheer Khan shared his opinion on Ravi Bishnoi’s selection for the second Super Over. Zaheer also pointed out that the Indian team could not take full advantage of the bat despite starting positively with a six.
“I think it was a smart and brave decision because you don’t have a lot of time in these situations. You have to support your instincts and your thinking. So whoever was part of that think tank, they certainly have to be commended,” Zaheer said.
“The second Super Over started very well, (India) started with a six. So it looked like India would defeat Afghanistan, but that didn’t happen. They lost two wickets and didn’t even play the six balls,” he added.
Rohit Sharma scored 11 runs off the first three balls of the second super over. However, the home team lost two wickets in the next two deliveries. Rinku Singh was dismissed for ducking on the fourth ball, while Rohit was left out in the striker’s end while attempting a break.
Players make mistakes due to high pressure – Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan acknowledged the challenging task of defending a low target of 11 runs and stated that batsmen often take advantage of bowlers’ mistakes.
“After that, there was a big decision to be made about who would bowl. So that decision was taken very well because batsmen usually score 12 runs easily as the bowler makes mistakes due to the pressure on him,” Zaheer said.
After identical scores in both innings and a tied first super over, the third match progressed to the second super over. The Indian team management had to choose between Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan as Mukesh Kumar was not eligible to bowl again in the match.
Ravi Bishnoi also needs to be praised – Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan praised Ravi Bishnoi for achieving a win and picking up two crucial wickets in a high-pressure situation.
“Ravi Bishnoi came there and the way he started and picked up two wickets, you have to praise him too, because he was bowling under pressure in a Super Over. He was oozing confidence. He seemed extremely calm. That was a very good thing and, secondly, the entire group of experts for making that decision,” Zaheer concluded.
In the second Super Over, the young player made a breakthrough by dismissing Mohammad Nabi on the first ball. He then got Rahmanullah Gurbaz off the third ball of the over. The home team completed a 3-0 against Afghanistan.
Also Read: IND Vs SA: Why Shubman Gill will face backlash over his purple patch? Zaheer Khan explains