T20 World Cup 2024: If anyone bowls in my area, then I’ll hit them – Rahmanullah Gurbaz reveals batting plan against Indian bowlers

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has revealed that he will adopt an aggressive approach against the Indian bowlers, if he gets the ball in his slot. Gurbaz will hold the key for the Afghan team at the top of the order against the potent Indian team.

Gurbaz has amassed 167 runs in four matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 150.45. Thus, the right-hander has given solid starts to the team along with his opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran.

Gurbaz has scored 106 runs against India in T20Is and he will be determined to give a solid start to the team.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz said while talking to the ICC, “Honestly, my target is not just Jasprit Bumrah. I will look to target all (Indian) bowlers because there are five bowlers and I have to tackle them. It’s not just a battle against Bumrah. Maybe another bowler could get me out. But yes, If I get a chance to hit him (Bumrah), let’s go for it. It could be Bumrah, Arshdeep or Siraj. If anyone bowls in my area, then I’ll hit them. Either I’ll hit them or I will get out.”

Meanwhile, the KKR batter revealed there is a huge shift in the team’s mentality in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The 22-year-old said they are playing the World Cup with a mindset of going all the way whereas earlier, it was all about taking part in the big events.

“We’ve played in the World Cups before, but there’s a huge difference (this time). Previously, our mindset was just to participate in the World Cup. But now our mindset is that we should go and be the champions. There’s no pressure on us to be champions. We don’t have those expectations. But we’re taking it one game at a time. Our focus is on that and hope we achieve our goals and qualify for the semi-final first and then to the final.”

Afghanistan has never beaten India in seven T20I meetings. India will begin their Super 8 campaign against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday.