Indian batters are gearing up for the challenges they will face in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While their campaign opener is against an out-of-form Bangladesh on February 20, the second match is against co-hosts Pakistan who have a lethal fast-bowling lineup. On February 17, a Pakistan-born left-arm pacer Awais Ahmad went viral on social media as Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that he is a 'class' bowler and tried to break his leg with those inswing yorkers. Awais revealed that he tried to emulate Pakistan's strike bowler Shaheen Afridi during the nets session.
"When I was bowling, Virat was on strike, and later, he had a brief chat with Rohit. Rohit asked Virat which way I was swinging the ball. I heard Virat Bhai say that I was swinging the ball both ways. After that, he batted perfectly and didn’t make any mistakes in his stroke play,” Ahmad said in an interview with Sports Today.
"After the net session, Rohit appreciated me. I tried to deceive Rohit Bhai with yorkers, similar to how Shaheen Shah Afridi bowls to him. Later, Rohit said that I aimed for his foot, and that gave me confidence.”
How Ahmad got the opportunity?
Ahmad hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He was a part of Lahore Qalandars' squad in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021. However, he did not get to make his PSL debut. He is currently playing domestic cricket in UAE. This week, he got a call from Mohit Raghav who arranged the net bowlers for India's nets session. The left-arm pacer considers himself lucky to get the opportunity to bowl to India's veteran duo.
"He (Rohit) was definitely practising with the thought that India would face Pakistan later. People dream of meeting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and I’m lucky that I got to bowl to them.
"I didn’t feel nervous while bowling today, but when I received the message from Mohit (Raghav) bhai yesterday that I would be bowling to the Indian team, I was both happy and nervous at the same time,” Ahmad added.
In the nets session on February 17, Indian batters were aggressive in their approach. Nearly 200 sixes were hit by batters and balls often landed on the neighbouring ground.