Should Afridi Take a Break to Rejuvenate?
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Synopsis
Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria believes that Shaheen Afridi should consider a month-long break from cricket. With recent struggles in the Asia Cup, this advice could be crucial for Afridi's career. Find out more about Kaneria's insights and the impact of a break on players' performance.
Key Takeaways
- Danish Kaneria advises Shaheen Afridi to take a break.
- A month-long hiatus could rejuvenate Afridi.
- Performance struggles were evident in recent matches.
- Focus on fewer formats may benefit Afridi.
- Understanding the batter's mentality is crucial for success.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has recommended that Shaheen Afridi should take a month-long hiatus from cricket to recharge, considering his recent underwhelming performances in the Asia Cup.
The fast bowler went wicketless in the recent match against arch-rivals India on Sunday, conceding 40 runs in just 3.5 overs, as the Men in Blue secured a six-wicket victory in the Super Four clash.
Kaneria argues that Shaheen should not participate in all formats and should consider stepping back from one or two to concentrate on his bowling skills. He further suggested that the pacer take a vacation to unwind and prepare for a strong return.
“Age plays a role, but the PCB should not have him play in all three formats. They need to determine which formats he will participate in. I suggest he should declare, 'I will only play T20 and ODI.' He should avoid Test matches, as he struggles to make an impact in that format,” Kaneria stated to IANS on Monday.
“I believe a month-long break from cricket is essential. A vacation to relax and come back refreshed is crucial. He has faded slightly. Neither spin nor pace is effective for him, and it appears he is not enjoying his cricket. A breather, possibly a couple of months, is necessary. Continuous play can lead to stagnation. A break is essential for rejuvenation,” he added.
Pakistan set a challenging total of 172 runs for India. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side easily chased it down, thanks to openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma.
Sharma scored 74 off 39 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, while the vice-captain contributed 47 off 28 deliveries, including eight fours. Although their dismissals briefly halted India's momentum, Tilak Varma ensured victory, finishing off with a six and a four as India celebrated their first Super 4 win.
Kaneria also remarked that if Abhishek had remained at the crease, the match could have concluded even earlier. "Had Abhishek stayed not out, the game would have finished sooner. He played smartly. The Pakistani bowlers lacked intelligence. Abhishek confidently targeted Shaheen for boundaries, showcasing his training under Yuvraj Singh, a legend,” he noted.
The former spinner further emphasized that Afridi struggles to read the batters' mindset.
“Abhishek understood how Shaheen would bowl, but Shaheen failed to grasp Abhishek's strategy. That’s the key difference. While Shaheen has been playing for a considerable time, Abhishek is relatively new to the setup yet understands bowlers' psychology,” he concluded.
Point of View
I believe that the insights from former players like Danish Kaneria are invaluable. Their experience and understanding of the game can provide current players with the necessary guidance to navigate challenges effectively. Prioritizing mental and physical health is essential for sustaining performance at the highest levels, and a break could be beneficial for Shaheen Afridi.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Danish Kaneria suggest a break for Afridi?
Kaneria believes that Afridi's recent performances indicate he may be fatigued and that a break could help him recharge and return stronger.
What impact did Afridi have in the recent match against India?
Afridi went wicketless and conceded 40 runs in 3.5 overs during the match, which contributed to Pakistan's loss.
How does Kaneria view Afridi's performance across formats?
Kaneria suggests that Afridi should focus on fewer formats, specifically T20 and ODI, as he struggles in Test matches.
