From Virat Kohli to Mohammad Shahzad, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in India vs Afghanistan ODIs. This list also includes Mohammad Nabi, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rohit Sharma

From Virat Kohli to Mohammad Shahzad, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in India vs Afghanistan ODIs. This list also includes Mohammad Nabi, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rohit Sharma

Meet top 5 batters with most runs in India vs Afghanistan ODIs

Afghanistan defeated minnows Namibia by 62 runs in their Super 12 group 2 match to keep semi-final hopes alive at the ICC T20 World Cup here on Sunday.

Opting to bat, Mohammad Shahzad (45) and Hazratullah Zazai (33) added 53 for the opening wicket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-mohammad-shahzad-becomes-first-afghanistan-player-to-reach-2000-t20i-runs-425609">T20 World Cup: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs</a>

Playing the last match of his international career, former skipper Asghar Afghan made a 23-ball 31, while Mohammad Nabi (32) was the other contributor for Afghanistan.

In reply, Namibia were restricted to 98 for 9 in 20 overs.

Hamid Hassan (3/9), Naveen-ul-Haq (3/26), Gulbadin Naib (2/19) and Rashid Khan (1/14) were among wickets.

Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (2/21), Ruben Trumpelmann (2/34) and JJ Smit (1/24) were the successful bowlers for Namibia.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-afghanistans-asghar-to-retire-from-all-formats-after-namibia-match-425428">T20 World Cup: Afghanistan's Asghar to retire from all formats after Namibia match</a>

Brief Score:

Afghanistan: 160 for 5 in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 45; Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton 2/21)

Namibia: 98 for 9 allout in 20 overs (David Wiese 26; Hamid Hassan 3/9, Naveen-ul-Haq 3/26).&nbsp;

Afghanistan defeated minnows Namibia by 62 runs in their Super 12 group 2 match to keep semi-final hopes alive at the ICC T20 World Cup here on Sunday. Opting to bat, Mohammad Shahzad (45) and Hazratullah Zazai (33) added 53 for the opening wicket.

Afghanistan defeated minnows Namibia by 62 runs in their Super 12 group 2 match to keep semi-final hopes alive at the ICC T20 World Cup here on Sunday. Opting to bat, Mohammad Shahzad (45) and Hazratullah Zazai (33) added 53 for the opening wicket. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs Playing the last match of his international career, former skipper Asghar Afghan made a 23-ball 31, while Mohammad Nabi (32) was the other contributor for Afghanistan. In reply, Namibia were restricted to 98 for 9 in 20 overs. Hamid Hassan (3/9), Naveen-ul-Haq (3/26), Gulbadin Naib (2/19) and Rashid Khan (1/14) were among wickets. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (2/21), Ruben Trumpelmann (2/34) and JJ Smit (1/24) were the successful bowlers for Namibia. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Afghanistan's Asghar to retire from all formats after Namibia match Brief Score: Afghanistan: 160 for 5 in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 45; Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton 2/21) Namibia: 98 for 9 allout in 20 overs (David Wiese 26; Hamid Hassan 3/9, Naveen-ul-Haq 3/26).

T20 World Cup: Naveen-ul-Haq and Mohammad Shahzad help Afghanistan crush Namibia by 62 runs

Mohammad Shahzad on Sunday became the first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs.

Shahzad achieved the feat during the ongoing match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter scored 45 runs off 33 balls before walking towards the pavilion.

Shahzad has now scored 2011 runs in T20Is in 68 matches with 12 fifties and one century under his belt.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winless-in-18-years-can-virat-kohli-led-india-break-the-jinx-against-new-zealand-in-icc-events-425532">Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events</a>

India skipper Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the format with 3216 runs under his belt from 91 games.

Meanwhile, former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan received a guard of honour from Namibia during the ongoing match.

Asghar Afghan is playing his last match for his country as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday.

Afghanistan is locking horns with Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday and this will be Asghar Afghan`s last match for his side.

As Asghar came into bat when Shahzad's entertaining knock of 45 came to an end in the 13th over, the Namibian side gave the former Afghanistan skipper a guard of honour during the match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-vaughan-names-only-team-which-can-stop-destructive-england-in-t20-world-cup-2021-425604">Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021</a>

Asghar Afghan has played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is for Afghanistan. The right-handed batter made his debut against Scotland in 2009.

Coming back to the game, Asghar scored 31 off 23 balls as Afghanistan posted 160/5 in the 20 overs.&nbsp;

Mohammad Shahzad on Sunday became the first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs. Shahzad achieved the feat during the ongoing match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup.

Mohammad Shahzad on Sunday became the first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs. Shahzad achieved the feat during the ongoing match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter scored 45 runs off 33 balls before walking towards the pavilion. Shahzad has now scored 2011 runs in T20Is in 68 matches with 12 fifties and one century under his belt. Also Read: Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events India skipper Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the format with 3216 runs under his belt from 91 games. Meanwhile, former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan received a guard of honour from Namibia during the ongoing match. Asghar Afghan is playing his last match for his country as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday. Afghanistan is locking horns with Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday and this will be Asghar Afghan`s last match for his side. As Asghar came into bat when Shahzad's entertaining knock of 45 came to an end in the 13th over, the Namibian side gave the former Afghanistan skipper a guard of honour during the match. ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021 Asghar Afghan has played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is for Afghanistan. The right-handed batter made his debut against Scotland in 2009. Coming back to the game, Asghar scored 31 off 23 balls as Afghanistan posted 160/5 in the 20 overs.

T20 World Cup: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs

Afghanistan's regular wicket-keeper&nbsp;Mohammad Shahzad was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019&nbsp;citing a knee injury.&nbsp;

Shahzad, however, has blamed&nbsp;the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for his withdrawal from the team's squad.&nbsp;

"My injury wasn't that severe. It was not an injury that required 2-3 months of recovery time. The board is to be blamed for my withdrawal from the Afghanistan squad. I was feeling good, they did not mention anything to me before the replacement," Shahzad told ANI.

Shahzad was&nbsp;training ahead of the New Zealand game when he got the news of his withdrawal. He said even his teammates were not aware of the decision.&nbsp;

He was replaced by Ikram Ali Khil for the New Zeland game.&nbsp;

"I don't know why the board officials don't like me. I am a straight forward person and this attitude is not liked by many in the board," he added.&nbsp;

But ACB chief executive Asadullah Khan has claimed otherwise in media reports.&nbsp;

"What he is saying is completely wrong. A proper medical report to the ICC was submitted and then only his replacement was announced. The team could not have fielded an unfit player. I understand he is upset at not being part of World Cup anymore but the team could not have compromised on his fitness," he said.&nbsp;

Shahzad, on the other hand, asked&nbsp;ICC to look into this issue and not release media reports about injuries without taking stock of the full injury update.

"Even ICC needs to pay attention to the matter. They issue reports and then our board withdraws us from the squad, the matter clearly needs to be looked into," Shahzad said.&nbsp;

Shahzad has failed to score runs and made several mistakes while keeping.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has so far lost its three opening matches - against Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand - in the ongoing World Cup.

The team will next take on South Africa on June 15.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's regular wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 citing a knee injury. Shahzad, however, has blamed the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for his withdrawal from the team's squad.

Afghanistan's regular wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 citing a knee injury. Shahzad, however, has blamed the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for his withdrawal from the team's squad. "My injury wasn't that severe. It was not an injury that required 2-3 months of recovery time. The board is to be blamed for my withdrawal from the Afghanistan squad. I was feeling good, they did not mention anything to me before the replacement," Shahzad told ANI. Shahzad was training ahead of the New Zealand game when he got the news of his withdrawal. He said even his teammates were not aware of the decision. He was replaced by Ikram Ali Khil for the New Zeland game. "I don't know why the board officials don't like me. I am a straight forward person and this attitude is not liked by many in the board," he added. But ACB chief executive Asadullah Khan has claimed otherwise in media reports. "What he is saying is completely wrong. A proper medical report to the ICC was submitted and then only his replacement was announced. The team could not have fielded an unfit player. I understand he is upset at not being part of World Cup anymore but the team could not have compromised on his fitness," he said. Shahzad, on the other hand, asked ICC to look into this issue and not release media reports about injuries without taking stock of the full injury update. "Even ICC needs to pay attention to the matter. They issue reports and then our board withdraws us from the squad, the matter clearly needs to be looked into," Shahzad said. Shahzad has failed to score runs and made several mistakes while keeping. Afghanistan has so far lost its three opening matches - against Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand - in the ongoing World Cup. The team will next take on South Africa on June 15.

Mohammad Shahzad blames Afghanistan Cricket Board for his withdrawal from World Cup squad

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-sri-lanka-fight-back-to-beat-afghanistan-by-34-runs-224394&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2COXTRL5NlyHlPBwtOWO0E">Afghanistan </a>squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC.

Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March.

During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries.&nbsp;

However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee.

Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-refugee-to-afghan-world-cup-star-a-talismanic-tale-of-rashid-khan-223205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pDXaj3Y3jiXno9GbV66BJ">Afghanistan's </a>first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-david-warner-stars-in-australias-rout-of-afghanistan-223509&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw39p5JW84xEsV9JXHjd_o-c">Australia </a>and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka.

Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement.&nbsp;

Here's the&nbsp;complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc73697d-0ed1-478f-a9b0-a0e7f50bda56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_24.jpg" />

Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the Afghanistan squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC. Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March. During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries. However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee. Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during Afghanistan's first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka. However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against Australia and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka. Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.

Afghanistan keeper Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of World Cup 2019

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries.

Getting off to a sensational start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shahzad slammed eight sixes and six boundaries, setting the record for fastest fifty in the 10-over format.

His destructive inning took Rajputs to a 10-wicket victory against the Sindhis with six overs to spare in Sharjah.

Chasing 95 to win, Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman opened the innings with captain Brendon McCullum and single-handedly decimated Sindhis' bowling attack.

Mohammad Nawaz, Jofra Archer, Thisara Perera and Fawad Ahmed all bowled one over each and went for more than 20 runs.

McCullum, who stitched together an opening stand of 96 runs with Shahzad, scored 21 off just 8 deliveries.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EwRHz3C-Y2M" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He was a silent spectator to Shahzad's brilliance on the other end.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Power. Destruction. Brutality. 
 
Mohammad Shahzad showed it all tonight! 💪🏻🔥😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T10League?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T10League</a> <a href="https://t.co/dPXcCoiRuw">pic.twitter.com/dPXcCoiRuw</a>
— T10 League (@T10League) <a href="https://twitter.com/T10League/status/1065291472084205568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Batting first, Shane Watson's Sindhis posted a challenging 94/6 in 10 overs with the help of 20-ball 42 from the skipper.&nbsp;

Munaf Patel, who recently announced his retirement, was the best bowler for the Rajputs as he took 20/3 in his two overs.&nbsp;

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries.

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries. Getting off to a sensational start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shahzad slammed eight sixes and six boundaries, setting the record for fastest fifty in the 10-over format. His destructive inning took Rajputs to a 10-wicket victory against the Sindhis with six overs to spare in Sharjah. Chasing 95 to win, Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman opened the innings with captain Brendon McCullum and single-handedly decimated Sindhis' bowling attack. Mohammad Nawaz, Jofra Archer, Thisara Perera and Fawad Ahmed all bowled one over each and went for more than 20 runs. McCullum, who stitched together an opening stand of 96 runs with Shahzad, scored 21 off just 8 deliveries. × He was a silent spectator to Shahzad's brilliance on the other end. Power. Destruction. Brutality. Mohammad Shahzad showed it all tonight! 💪🏻🔥😍#T10League pic.twitter.com/dPXcCoiRuw — T10 League (@T10League) November 21, 2018 × Batting first, Shane Watson's Sindhis posted a challenging 94/6 in 10 overs with the help of 20-ball 42 from the skipper. Munaf Patel, who recently announced his retirement, was the best bowler for the Rajputs as he took 20/3 in his two overs.

Watch: Afghan's Mohammad Shahzad slams 74 runs in 16 balls in T10 League

Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant century and Mohammad Nabi's perfect cameo powered Afghanistan to a total of 252 for the loss of eight wickets against India on Tuesday.

Electing to bat, Afghan's Shahzad was the sole player on whom the team was dependent&nbsp;before nabi took the driver's seat.&nbsp;

The opener was in action from the very first ball and played magnificently against the Indian bowling attack to slam 124 runs.

Dropped at 49 by Ambati Rayudu, Shahzad slammed 11 boundaries and 7 huge sixes in his 116-ball inning, which was finally ended by Kedhar Jadhav. &nbsp;

Afghans could have put a high target if Shahzad would have found an ally in the downline. Apart from him no other player, till Nabi arrived, could stand the Indian attack and were dismissed in quick successions.

Nabi's 56-ball 64 runs cameo was supported with three boundaries and four sixes. He played at a strike rate of 114.29, much better than what Shahzad's had today. &nbsp;

Khaleel Ahmed was the man who took Nabi's wicket to restrict Afghanistan's score.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two and three wickets, respectively, to keep Afghanistan in control. &nbsp; &nbsp;

India, who is being captained by MS Dhoni, will have to display a better class of batting to win the game.&nbsp;

Even if India lose, they will still be playing the Asi Cup final, after they registered a comfortable victory against Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier to book a spot. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant century and Mohammad Nabi's perfect cameo powered Afghanistan to a total of 252 for the loss of eight wickets against India on Tuesday.

Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant century and Mohammad Nabi's perfect cameo powered Afghanistan to a total of 252 for the loss of eight wickets against India on Tuesday. Electing to bat, Afghan's Shahzad was the sole player on whom the team was dependent before nabi took the driver's seat. The opener was in action from the very first ball and played magnificently against the Indian bowling attack to slam 124 runs. Dropped at 49 by Ambati Rayudu, Shahzad slammed 11 boundaries and 7 huge sixes in his 116-ball inning, which was finally ended by Kedhar Jadhav. Afghans could have put a high target if Shahzad would have found an ally in the downline. Apart from him no other player, till Nabi arrived, could stand the Indian attack and were dismissed in quick successions. Nabi's 56-ball 64 runs cameo was supported with three boundaries and four sixes. He played at a strike rate of 114.29, much better than what Shahzad's had today. Khaleel Ahmed was the man who took Nabi's wicket to restrict Afghanistan's score. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two and three wickets, respectively, to keep Afghanistan in control. India, who is being captained by MS Dhoni, will have to display a better class of batting to win the game. Even if India lose, they will still be playing the Asi Cup final, after they registered a comfortable victory against Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier to book a spot.

Asia Cup: Shahzad's superlative century powers Afghanistan to 252

At over 90kg, Mohammad Shahzad is the complete antithesis of fitness freak Virat Kohli but the Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman says who needs a punishing regimen like the Indian captain when he can hit longer sixes than the world's No.1 ODI batsman.&nbsp

Standing at 5'8", there is seldom a dull moment when the stockily-built Shahzad is around, both on and off the field.

"Dekhiye hum fitness bhi poori karte hain aur khaate bhi poora hain (I work a lot on my fitness but I don't compromise on food). You want me to have a fitness routine like Kohli, it is not possible, but I am working on it (losing weight)," Shahzad tells PTI in a chat.

The burly 30-year-old cricketer, who has had an eventful international career dating back to 2009, simply plays by his own rules.&nbsp

He knows he is overweight but doesn't doubt his ability one bit, so much so that he believes that he can hit bigger sixes than Kohli despite not having the exemplary fitness and skill possessed by the Indian captain.&nbsp

Having played in a refugee camp in Pakistan, the Jalalabad-based player speaks urdu fluently and also passes the hindi test. Remind him of his weight again, Shahzad says not everyone can be like Kohli.

"Jitna lamba chakka woh (Kohli) maarte hain, main unse zyadaa maar saktaa hoon, zaroorat kya hain unki tarah itna diet karne ki (I can hit bigger sixes than Kohli so why do I need to follow his diet?)," says the stumper, whose failed attempts at weight-loss had resulted in a one-year doping ban last year.&nbsp

He spends a lot of time in India and claims to know top Indian cricketers well. He calls M S Dhoni his "closest friend" in the Indian team and also enjoys a good rapport with Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan (he continuously calls India opener 'Shekhar').

The cricketer has often faced criticism for being 'overweight' but he has hit back at his critics with match-winning performances. He has defied the odds to become Afghanistan's leading run-getter in T20s and is second only to Mohammad Nabi in ODI runs.

"...My coach (now Phil Simmons) knows that I can keep for 50 overs and bat for 50 overs. I have never seen it (weight) as an issue," says Shahzad, who is preparing in India with the team for its maiden Test in Bengaluru in June.

He has won his team many games but has also been in the news for wrong seasons. He recently got back into the team after a serving a one-year doping ban.&nbsp

Then he copped a two-game suspension as recent as March during the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe for causing damage to the ground after being upset at his dismissal.&nbsp

He returned to deliver a 'man of the match' performance in the final of the World Cup qualifier against the West Indies.&nbsp

And then two weeks later, his country's cricket board, ACB, pulled him up for playing a local tournament in Peshawar without its permission and summoned him back to base.

So, why is he the way he is?

"Dekhiye galti toh insaan se hi hoti hain (To err is human). I have had two cups of coffee with you and who knows I might test positive after this," says the attacking opener who also regrets not being selected for Afghanistan's maiden World Cup appearance in 2015.

He is liked both for his antics and his ballistic strokeplay. He has won fans in India for his Dhoni-like execution of the 'helicopter shot'.

"I try to hit it like Dhoni," he says before opening up on his rapport with the Indian cricketers.

"It is always nice to catch up with the Indian cricketers. They are very warm. I have always looked up to Dhoni and now I have the pleasure of knowing him. I have played against India three-four times and after the match gets over, I have dropped in at Dhoni's room and chatted for hours.&nbsp

"He usually asks me 'what's happening in Afghanistan' and at my home. We don't tend to talk a lot about wicket-keeping and batting, it is just regular stuff about life. His room is always open for a chat but yes, it is tough to reach him on his mobile number.&nbsp

"Even Suresh and Shikhar bhai are very warm people," says Shahzad, who like most of his teammates, is a Bollywood fan, his favourite actors being Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan.

Come June 14, Shahzad will become part of history when his team takes the field against India in a Test match for the very first time.&nbsp

"It will be some occasion. Earlier, the goal was to qualify for the World Cup. We have done that and now it is all about the Test against India."

Ask him about Kohli's possible absence from the historic match as he might be playing county cricket in England, Shahzad says playing against the Indian skipper would be more fun.

"It will be more fun and challenging if he plays. If he is not there, it will be a problem for India's batting, we have no issues. But we would want to watch him play."

He is also pleased with the fact that all of his teammates have overcome struggles to become world-class players, ensuring a brighter future for the aspiring youth in the war-torn nation.

Shahzad ends the long conversation with a gem after being asked about his family.

"Bahut badi family hain ji, ginte ginte raat ho jayegi (it will take a whole night to recall the names of all my family members). I have two kids, six siblings and my mother. It is always nice to go back to them whenever I get a small break from cricket," he signs off.

The burly 30-year-old cricketer simply plays by his own rules.

At over 90kg, Mohammad Shahzad is the complete antithesis of fitness freak Virat Kohli but the Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman says who needs a punishing regimen like the Indian captain when he can hit longer sixes than the world's No.1 ODI batsman. Standing at 5'8", there is seldom a dull moment when the stockily-built Shahzad is around, both on and off the field. "Dekhiye hum fitness bhi poori karte hain aur khaate bhi poora hain (I work a lot on my fitness but I don't compromise on food). You want me to have a fitness routine like Kohli, it is not possible, but I am working on it (losing weight)," Shahzad tells PTI in a chat. The burly 30-year-old cricketer, who has had an eventful international career dating back to 2009, simply plays by his own rules. He knows he is overweight but doesn't doubt his ability one bit, so much so that he believes that he can hit bigger sixes than Kohli despite not having the exemplary fitness and skill possessed by the Indian captain. Having played in a refugee camp in Pakistan, the Jalalabad-based player speaks urdu fluently and also passes the hindi test. Remind him of his weight again, Shahzad says not everyone can be like Kohli. "Jitna lamba chakka woh (Kohli) maarte hain, main unse zyadaa maar saktaa hoon, zaroorat kya hain unki tarah itna diet karne ki (I can hit bigger sixes than Kohli so why do I need to follow his diet?)," says the stumper, whose failed attempts at weight-loss had resulted in a one-year doping ban last year. He spends a lot of time in India and claims to know top Indian cricketers well. He calls M S Dhoni his "closest friend" in the Indian team and also enjoys a good rapport with Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan (he continuously calls India opener 'Shekhar'). The cricketer has often faced criticism for being 'overweight' but he has hit back at his critics with match-winning performances. He has defied the odds to become Afghanistan's leading run-getter in T20s and is second only to Mohammad Nabi in ODI runs. "...My coach (now Phil Simmons) knows that I can keep for 50 overs and bat for 50 overs. I have never seen it (weight) as an issue," says Shahzad, who is preparing in India with the team for its maiden Test in Bengaluru in June. He has won his team many games but has also been in the news for wrong seasons. He recently got back into the team after a serving a one-year doping ban. Then he copped a two-game suspension as recent as March during the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe for causing damage to the ground after being upset at his dismissal. He returned to deliver a 'man of the match' performance in the final of the World Cup qualifier against the West Indies. And then two weeks later, his country's cricket board, ACB, pulled him up for playing a local tournament in Peshawar without its permission and summoned him back to base. So, why is he the way he is? "Dekhiye galti toh insaan se hi hoti hain (To err is human). I have had two cups of coffee with you and who knows I might test positive after this," says the attacking opener who also regrets not being selected for Afghanistan's maiden World Cup appearance in 2015. He is liked both for his antics and his ballistic strokeplay. He has won fans in India for his Dhoni-like execution of the 'helicopter shot'. "I try to hit it like Dhoni," he says before opening up on his rapport with the Indian cricketers. "It is always nice to catch up with the Indian cricketers. They are very warm. I have always looked up to Dhoni and now I have the pleasure of knowing him. I have played against India three-four times and after the match gets over, I have dropped in at Dhoni's room and chatted for hours. "He usually asks me 'what's happening in Afghanistan' and at my home. We don't tend to talk a lot about wicket-keeping and batting, it is just regular stuff about life. His room is always open for a chat but yes, it is tough to reach him on his mobile number. "Even Suresh and Shikhar bhai are very warm people," says Shahzad, who like most of his teammates, is a Bollywood fan, his favourite actors being Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan. Come June 14, Shahzad will become part of history when his team takes the field against India in a Test match for the very first time. "It will be some occasion. Earlier, the goal was to qualify for the World Cup. We have done that and now it is all about the Test against India." Ask him about Kohli's possible absence from the historic match as he might be playing county cricket in England, Shahzad says playing against the Indian skipper would be more fun. "It will be more fun and challenging if he plays. If he is not there, it will be a problem for India's batting, we have no issues. But we would want to watch him play." He is also pleased with the fact that all of his teammates have overcome struggles to become world-class players, ensuring a brighter future for the aspiring youth in the war-torn nation. Shahzad ends the long conversation with a gem after being asked about his family. "Bahut badi family hain ji, ginte ginte raat ho jayegi (it will take a whole night to recall the names of all my family members). I have two kids, six siblings and my mother. It is always nice to go back to them whenever I get a small break from cricket," he signs off.

Why diet like Kohli when you can hit longer sixes than him, says overweight Shahzad

mohammad-shahzad

Mohammad Shahzad, News on Mohammad Shahzad, stories on Mohammad Shahzad, articles on Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Shahzad stories at Wion, Mohammad Shahzad news, Mohammad Shahzad latest news

mohammad shahzad