Srinagar, November 9: Sunrisers Hyderabad bowed out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 tournament on Sunday, falling short against Delhi Capitals in the playoffs. However one thing that caught eye of everyone was fightback from J&K and Sunrisers youngster Abdul Samad who played a brilliant cameo.
Samad while leading late charge, went on to smash 33 runs off 16 balls to take Sunrisers close to the target. He fell in 19th over against K Rabada but before getting out he lofted some mighty blows against likes of Rabada and Nortje.
First one to praise Abdul Samad for brilliant display was J&K mentor and former India All-rounder Irfan Pathan who said he is proud of Samad and would have liked him to finish the game.
“Yes he should have won the game for @SunRisers but really proud of #abdulsamad for showing character and power game. #1stseasonofipl, ” Irfan Pathan Tweeted.
In reply to Pathan’s Tweet, former India star Yuvraj Singh also Tweeted and termed Samad Special Talent.
“samad showed a lot of promise I feel can be a special player in the future, ” Yuvraj Tweeted.
To that Pathan replied that yes Samad is and he just needs to stay focussed.
“Yes mere bhai,He sure has the talent he just need to stay focus and think big…, ” Irfan Pathan replied in a Tweet.
Former Australia cricketer turned a world renowned cricket coach Tom Moody also commented on Yuvraj Singh’s comment and said he hundred percent agree with Singh.
Pertinent to mention here is that from first day it has been Irfan Pathan who backed Abdul Samad in J&K cricket. He was the person to back an Under -19 cricketer like Samad to do well for J&K at senior level and also then backed him and pushed his case with IPL sides during their trials.
It is not the only case where Irfan Pathan has helped and backed youngsters. Rasikh Salam is another example of such ground level extraordinary work done by junior Pathan for J&K cricket and cricketers.