Mushy’s advice working for Irfan
A few of the young players have shown their mettle in the ongoing BCB President's Cup and Najmul XI's Irfan Shukkur is making a mark as a batsman with a good head on his shoulders.
He was one of the heroes of the opening match against Mahmudullah XI, dragging his side from 79 for five to a successful chase of 197 with an unbeaten 78-ball 56 under pressure. Then in the return game against Mahmudullah XI, he hit an unbeaten 31-ball 48 where the circumstances asked something different off him.
The 27-year-old said that he had a tough few years but was now finally finding his feet.
"The tournament was very important for me and I was out of touch for the last two years and I was in HP camp for three years. I want to do what the team requires and make a productive contribution to the team," Irfan told the media today.
He has been able to respond to the pressure of batting at number seven, a position where the role can shift in matter of overs.
"Usually I bat in the top order but in this tournament while coming in at number 7, I have tried to stay till the end and remain not out and contribute with a good knock."
The advice of senior Mushfiqur Rahim in this regard is helping Irfan greatly. Throughout the tournament, Irfan has shown a quiet confidence under pressure.
"I am very happy to share the dressing room with Mushfiqur bhai and Soumya Sarkar, who is my mate from U-19s. Mushfiqur bhai told me to show character all the time and I am trying to show that approach," he said.
"I always try to listen to what (Mushfiqur) he is saying. Although he doesn't talk much, he is always very inspiring. He told me to keep my approach and character the same inside the field and I am looking to continue that," he added.
Najmul XI are top of the table and will play Tamim XI in the final group phase match of the BCB President's Cup on Wednesday. Another crucial knock would no doubt help his young side make the final in style.
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