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UAE’s Alishan Sharafu has shared his admiration for Hardik Pandya ahead of the Asia Cup, expressing excitement to face India and Pakistan in Group A.
Alishan Sharafu has said that he admires Hardik Pandya (Picture credit: AFP)
UAE’s Kerala-born opener Alishan Sharafu, who’s all set to play within the Asia Cup, has said that he admires star India allrounder Hardik Pandya, adding that he’s keen on his playing style in addition to his calm and composure, which he uses to play match-winning roles for India.
An enormous admirer of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliance and inspired by Pandya’s resilience, Sharafu is desirous to tackle the challenge of facing India within the Asia Cup starting September 9.
UAE is placed in Group A alongside India and Pakistan, with Oman being the fourth side. Sharafu said that the hosts being clubbed with heavyweights like India and Pakistan is an amazing learning probability.
“I wouldn’t say it’s any pressure or nervousness because you ought to do well against these teams. We’re taking a look at it as a chance. India, obviously, is among the best sides in world cricket right away, so who wouldn’t wish to do well,” Sharafu said while speaking on Sony Sports.
“We don’t necessarily wish to focus an excessive amount of on the opponent and we wish to persist with what we wish to do and give attention to just playing good cricket. If we back ourselves, then anything may very well be possible,” Sharafu added.
The UAE opener said that he grew up admiring cricketers like Tendulkar, former India captain MS Dhoni, ace batter Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, but draws plenty of inspiration from Pandya and Ben Stokes.
“Hardik is one player that I actually admire. I like the best way he plays and the calmness and composure that he offers to his team. He’s a fighter; he has had his ups and downs. As an athlete, that’s one quality that you’ve to own just taking a look at the best way he goes about his cricket, it’s just admirable,” Sharafu said.
The 22-year-old has scored 1151 runs in 46 T20Is at a median of 30.28 and a strike rate of virtually 134 with eight fifties to his name.
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