Hayden reveals why Rohit, Rahul and Virat struggled against Shaheen

Former Australia opener and current Pakistan batting consultant for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Matthew Hayden has revealed the main reason behind Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli’s struggle against Shaheen Afridi. Rohit and Rahul were dismissed by the pacer in his first two overs while Virat was undone in the death overs.

According to the legendary player, India batters played bowlers who bowled at 130km/h in the IPL 2021 and Afridi was much quicker.

“They (the Indian batters) had been facing 130km/h deliveries for the last month during the IPL. It’s a different cup of tea when you are facing someone running and bowling at Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace,” Hayden told Fox Cricket after Pakistan’s 10-wicket win.

“They were the best two balls that I’ve seen in five weeks. A fast in-swinging yorker and the courage that it takes to bowl that delivery against Rohit Sharma with the new ball is admirable,” Hayden added.

He also spoke about KL Rahul’s wicket who was bowled by Shaheen. “I don’t think I have not seen the ball hitting Rahul’s middle of the bat in five weeks and then he gets that delivery. That was like the two punch combination that sent India on the backfoot in the powerplay,” Hayden added.