Should Afridi Change his Batting Style ?

[161]

The so called greatest clean hitter of the ball has now turned into the most prolific miss-hitter of the ball.

How many times has he skied out without taking proper time to get set and get a feel for the pitch ?

Afridi is so caught up in his own hype that he has lost sense of what he needs to do to get back into form.

He's got a decades worth of batting experience so he should be able to at least pick up the singles and two's if the big shots aren't working anymore.

I hope Malik and Lawson stop behaving like little girls when Afridi gets back and send the message to him that he cannot go on with this reckless batting style.

They should make it a rule that he can't go for the big shots until he's faced at least 15-20 balls.

[DM]

To be serious for a second I dont use 20-20 as a guage for batting prowess at all

I mean if we applied that across all the batsmen, we'd get skewed results on who's good or who isn't.

Afridi will bat enormously violently in every form of game, but there's absolutely no doubt at all that he alters his batting depending on format of the game - see his strike rate in tests, see it in ODIs and see it in 20-20.

His 20-20 style is going to be the most volatile, that means more misses, but also, that the hits will be sweeter and more stunning. When he strikes big, it will make front pages, it will be discussed more than most innings and records will be broken.

That's what Shahid Afridi is all about and I don't ever want that to change.

[Mohsin]

He'll never ever change. You can tell him all the times you want and he still wont change. Javed Miandad told him many times while he was coach, to bat with more responsibility and he never listened. Bob told him to take it easy also. He never listened. He's one of those people, you could be 299/9 in the world cup final, 2 overs to go needing 2 runs to win and he'll still try to smack it out of the ground!

[161]

Problem with Afridi is that he doesn't handle pressure well.

There is all this hype created by the media and Afridi thinks he has to oblige it by going bezerker from ball one.

Malik and Lawson should try and lift this pressure from him, sit him down and tell him to just go for the singles and doubles.

He's got a decade plus of experience and there is no reason why he can't style his batting like Misbah just going for the small cheeky shots.

If he does that for awhile I'm sure his big hitting form will also return.

[DM]

Hmm I don't think it's about pressure.

I think it's just that he bats violently all the time, and that never changes. He doesn't adjust the game at all according to match situation (though tempers it only somewhat in longer forms of the game).

He said himself, "I suppose I have no control over myself". This man isn't a man who's fazed. These are the words of a man who's not a man, but an animal.

[The Blazer]

I think the little mental strength that he has got shattered after that first game when he took it easy, took a few singles, and then got out trying to sweep. Hence hereafter, he's been trying to send every ball and its mother to the Kingdom of Heaven.

I don't think it's his batting he needs to change, it's his diets. More goats, done over easy, please. Yum yum.

[ca_gold]

how about accepting that he is basically a hyped up has been slogger?

[The Blazer]

how about accepting that he is basically a hyped up has been slogger?
The only has beens around in Afridi's vicinity are those elderly Ugandan goats he has recently taken a liking to. But only on Saturdays.

[Sufian84]

he will never change. end of discution.

[DM]

He'd be honoured to be called a slogger, for he is even lower than that.

Look he doesn't care at all about anything, he just wants to send the ball to the moon. He just wants to tear the bowler a new one.


"I like hitting the ball in the stands and want to hear the cracking sound that comes out of the willow of my bat. I don't know why but that sound (of the wood) and the sight of seeing the ball land in the enclosures gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction"


That's why everyone in the ground goes crazy when they see him, that's why he's among the most popular cricketers in the world despite his numerical record. He defaecates on convention and is completely unshackled. People love seeing that.

[The Blazer]

he will never change. end of discution.
Did you mean dissection?

[DM]

:))) :))) blaze, legend!

[161]

how about accepting that he is basically a hyped up has been slogger?


but he has the experience and the skills to get the singles, doubles and other cheeky shots.


if the big shots aren't working then it is the responsibility of the two girls that run our team (malik and lawson) to sit him down and tell him in no unclear terms to change his batting style !

[ca_gold]

He'd be honoured to be called a slogger, for he is even lower than that.

Look he doesn't care at all about anything, he just wants to send the ball to the moon. He just wants to tear the bowler a new one.


"I like hitting the ball in the stands and want to hear the cracking sound that comes out of the willow of my bat. I don't know why but that sound (of the wood) and the sight of seeing the ball land in the enclosures gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction"


That's why everyone in the ground goes crazy when they see him, that's why he's among the most popular cricketers in the world despite his numerical record. He defaecates on convention and is completely unshackled. People love seeing that.
agreed. entertainment factor is there, actual results, sadly, are not.

[DM]

agreed. entertainment factor is there, actual results, sadly, are not.
Speak for yourself ;)

I'm here to be entertained. I have no vested monetary interests in results. Usually they both coincide, but not necessarily.

[Ghoshtbuster]

To be serious for a second I dont use 20-20 as a guage for batting prowess at all

I mean if we applied that across all the batsmen, we'd get skewed results on who's good or who isn't.

Afridi will bat enormously violently in every form of game, but there's absolutely no doubt at all that he alters his batting depending on format of the game - see his strike rate in tests, see it in ODIs and see it in 20-20.

His 20-20 style is going to be the most volatile, that means more misses, but also, that the hits will be sweeter and more stunning. When he strikes big, it will make front pages, it will be discussed more than most innings and records will be broken.

That's what Shahid Afridi is all about and I don't ever want that to change.
I agree.

Also, to say Afridi is "mentally-weak" is a fallacy.

The guy is under tremendous pressure each time he bats, for the past decade or so, soley due to the repercussions of his debut innings. A "mentally-weak" person would have become a shell of a human being by now - and it is a testamnet to Afridi's mind and self-confidence that he continues to bat as he always has done.

[Cryin Out Loud]

Shahid Afridi is the most irresponsible player that I have ever seen. So much talent, but he ran out of excuses a long time ago.

He's even said he 'cant help it' or some such. That was a stunning statement, honest but underlies a complete abdication of responsibility.

[DM]

Completely agreed Ghosht, the expectation from the crowd when Afridi comes out is enormous, more than almost every other batsman.

[DM]

Shahid Afridi is the most irresponsible player that I have ever seen. So much talent, but he ran out of excuses a long time ago.

He's even said he 'cant help it' or some such. That was a stunning statement, honest but underlies a complete abdication of responsibility.
No, I disagree. It's not an abdication at all. He's not relinquishing anything for he never possessed it in the first place. His fixations are elsewhere and they are quite psychotic in nature.

[The Blazer]

Wonderful points by DM and Ghosht.

Afridi's greatest achievement was also his Achilles' Heel. He's a cursed chap. But God, do we love him.

[Ghoshtbuster]

Afridi's greatest achievement was also his Achilles' Heel. He's a cursed chap. But God, do we love him.
Exactly. His desire and obsessive need to hit sixes brings joy, but also tears.

I hate to get all Dolly Parton on you all: but if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.

[DM]

Brilliant, I think you've both nailed it with those posts.

[Alam_dar]

All I need at moment is this that Afridi take a Rest and chances are given to some youngsters in next 3-4 Series.

If we find a descent and better all-rounder than Afridi then it is good for Pak, and it should help Pakistan for next World Cup.

(Actually all Allrounders will perform better than Afridi in Batting, but we have to look at their bowling Performance)

The team without Afridi with new Youngsters look like (for ODIs):

1. Butt
2. Akmal/ (Or Sarfraz at No. 7-8)
3. Younus
4. Yousuf (against India, otherwise let Jamshed or Khurram play as 2nd Opener against BD)
5. Malik
6. Misbah
7. Fawad Alam
8. Gul
9. Sohail Tanvir
10. Wahab Riaz
11. Sohail Khan /(Otherwise let Yasir Arafat or Mansoor Amjad play instead of Sohail Khan at spot 8)


The team seems to be much better without Afridi i.e.:

- 4 Fast Bowlers (if Sohail Khan is played) + Two Spinners (Malik and Fawad)
And batting line goes till Spot No. 7 (till Fawad Alam)

- Or 3 Fast Bowlers + 1 Allrounder (Yasir Arafat, Mansoor Amjad, Kamran Hussain) + 2 Spinners
And Batting line goes till Spot 8 (till Yasir Arafat, Mansoor Amjad).


I am very much for this suggestion that Afridi should be given rest for next 3 Series at least. If it doesn't work, then we still call him back. But time is Due to do new experiments on Afridi's spot.

[DM]

I'd personally like to see Afridi play every single match until his retirement, he's just too entertaining.

[lollol]

He should be rested IMMEDIATLY. The thing about afridi is, that we dont have any other decent spinner for ODI. We should rest afridi and look for a better spinner that mr afridi.

Im sure he sould be able to slog a few runs... and if not, he'll be atleast a better bowler than afridiAll I need at moment is this that Afridi take a Rest and chances are given to some youngsters in next 3-4 Series.

If we find a descent and better all-rounder than Afridi then it is good for Pak, and it should help Pakistan for next World Cup.

(Actually all Allrounders will perform better than Afridi in Batting, but we have to look at their bowling Performance)

The team without Afridi with new Youngsters look like (for ODIs):

1. Butt
2. Akmal/ (Or Sarfraz at No. 7-8)
3. Younus
4. Yousuf (against India, otherwise let Jamshed or Khurram play as 2nd Opener against BD)
5. Malik
6. Misbah
7. Fawad Alam
8. Gul
9. Sohail Tanvir
10. Wahab Riaz
11. Sohail Khan /(Otherwise let Yasir Arafat or Mansoor Amjad play instead of Sohail Khan at spot 8)


The team seems to be much better without Afridi i.e.:

- 4 Fast Bowlers (if Sohail Khan is played) + Two Spinners (Malik and Fawad)
And batting line goes till Spot No. 7 (till Fawad Alam)

- Or 3 Fast Bowlers + 1 Allrounder (Yasir Arafat, Mansoor Amjad, Kamran Hussain) + 2 Spinners
And Batting line goes till Spot 8 (till Yasir Arafat, Mansoor Amjad).


I am very much for this suggestion that Afridi should be given rest for next 3 Series at least. If it doesn't work, then we still call him back. But time is Due to do new experiments on Afridi's spot.
Sure, many people see them as allrounder.. but we all know they cant really bowl...

[Alam_dar]

- 4 Fast Bowlers (if Sohail Khan is played) + Two Spinners (Malik and Fawad)

Sure, many people see them as allrounder.. but we all know they cant really bowl...

Yaar Loolo, Let us look at the picture from this Angle:

1. We know both Malik and Fawad are not good Bowlers.

2. But situation is this that both of them have to Bowl at least 10 Overs Collectively.

3. Either Afridi play or not, but these 10 Overs go to Malik (or Malik+Fawad)



It is due to reason that Afridi plays as 4th Regular Bowler.

If we let Afridi play as Batsman (i.e. 4 Regular Bowlers + Afridi as 5th Bowler) then our Batting line in 50 Overs ODIs will become very very weak.

Here is the team while Afridi as 5th Regular Bowler:


1. Butt
2. Akmal
3. Younus
4. Yousuf
5. Malik
6. Misbah

7. Afridi
8. WAhab Riaz
9. Sohail Tanvir
10. Gul
11. Sohail Khan/Asif


You see Pakistani batting line up is very very thin with 5 Regular Bowlers.

It seems to me at moment Pakistan has no other Option than to let Malik+Fawad to bowl 10 Overs together.


What do you people think? Please suggest and give your full team.

[iafzal]

They should put ear plugs into his ear so he cannot hear all the roar from the crowd that freezes his brain. Once that happens he loses even the iota of thinking ability he usually has.

He then just goes crazy like a mad cow and try to hit any ball coming his way.

I think the above approach will fix the problem that is haunting Pak cricket for last 10 years and I may even be nominated for a Nobel prize for it :D

[Ghoshtbuster]

They should put ear plugs on him so he cannot hear all the roar from the crowd that freezes his brain. Once that happens he loses even the iota of thinking ability he usually has
Nice idea, except...


those voices are IN his head...

[Nakhuda]

Its far too late for him to suddenly bat in a mature manner now when throughout all his career his performances have been highly immature.Old habits die hard.
We don't even know his real age like one day he's 27 and the next 25!! :))

[McBoom]

Nice idea, except...


those voices are IN his head...HAHAHA :))) :))) :)))
Gosht you legend !

[DM]

:))) :))) :))) :))) Ghosht is a legend beastologist

[McBoom]

It is best for Afridi, various goat types and all the human beings (dead & alive) that Afridi should be allowed to do whatever he wishes and bat the way he wants.

Bob Woolmer gave him a free hand and Afridi was at his barbaric best under his coaching. Bob Woolmer was wise !

Afridi's approach to batting is something which is a universe apart from conventional state of mind and this makes him one of the most exciting things (yes he is a thing) in cricket. Its best that all the coaches and captains should get out of his way and give him full confidence and support unlike our pea brained kaptaan saab.

One last thing, please don't try to judge anyone on the bases of IPL

[jackal786]

http://i28.tinypic.com/2la3a80.jpg


Do you reall think he is going to change?

[Cryin Out Loud]

No, I disagree. It's not an abdication at all. He's not relinquishing anything for he never possessed it in the first place. His fixations are elsewhere and they are quite psychotic in nature.

He plays for Pakistan. Not for Shahid Afridi. That should be a responsibility...no?

[infamous9383]

afridi sucks.

afridi fans live in their own world where a six is equivalent of a century.

He's a tailender at number at best.

a man who is position in the team is questioned after 12 years shouldn't be in the team.

[Cryin Out Loud]

afridi sucks.

afridi fans live in their own world where a six is equivalent of a century.

He's a tailender at number at best.

a man who is position in the team is questioned after 12 years shouldn't be in the team.

He doesn't suck in terms of talent. Or potential.

His problem is different. IMHO, he is the worst (or best) example of talent going down the drain because a grown up behaves like a child. And refuses to grow up.

[moumotta]

http://i28.tinypic.com/2la3a80.jpg


Do you reall think he is going to change?

He needs a new head rather than a new body. A new head that actually contains a brain.

[Ghoshtbuster]

http://i28.tinypic.com/2la3a80.jpg
:))) :))) :)))

I love how the plain white suit represents a supression of rage, and a fresh, voracious thirst for blood. While the bold shirt and sinister striped socks show the Beasts true intent.

Brilliant!

[Ghoshtbuster]

He plays for Pakistan. Not for Shahid Afridi. That should be a responsibility...no?
Are you suggesting that Afridi has no regard for the team?

Because that is completely erroneous and highly defamatory.

[Ghoshtbuster]

afridi sucks....
...blood.

[12thMan]

Afridi needs a new bat

[Nadia]

I think the little mental strength that he has got shattered after that first game when he took it easy, took a few singles, and then got out trying to sweep. Hence hereafter, he's been trying to send every ball and its mother to the Kingdom of Heaven.

I don't think it's his batting he needs to change, it's his diets. More goats, done over easy, please. Yum yum.
I can't stop laughing on this post :))) :))) :))) :))) :))) :)))

[jackal786]

Afridi needs a new bat


You mean this? :P

http://rinovelty.com/imagedb/products/_Detail/INBASFL.jpg

[moumotta]

Afridi needs a new bat

A new bat that is an extension of his arm to give better control in those split second moments.

[jackal786]

I think he should give up cricket and start playing Baseball. That probably will suit his style.

[161]

seems like it's impossible to have a serious discussion about afridi anymore.

[moumotta]

seems like it's impossible to have a serious discussion about afridi anymore.

Because no one takes him seriously. :D

[Cryin Out Loud]

Are you suggesting that Afridi has no regard for the team?

Because that is completely erroneous and highly defamatory.

Yeah, despite the caveats and heretofores, that is exactly what I am suggesting.

Unless doctors are able to establish that he has the mental age of 10.

Edit: A lot of Pakistani players could justifiably be accused of that, actually. And the converse also may hold true, i.e. the Pakistan cricket set up does not care one bit for their international players.

[DM]

I love how the plain white suit represents a supression of rage, and a fresh, voracious thirst for blood. While the bold shirt and sinister striped socks show the Beasts true intent.

Brilliant!
BAHAHAHHA :))) :))) :))) :))) :))) :))) :))) :)))

phenomenal, i'm literally in stitches :)))

[Ghoshtbuster]

Yeah, despite the caveats and heretofores, that is exactly what I am suggesting.
Well, that is an absolutley disgusting and disgraceful accusation to make. I would not accuse ANY Pak player of the current side to be as such. There have been instances where match-fixing lead to certian individuals performing to the detriment of the team - but your suggestion that Afridi plays for himself and not the team has no basis at all.

[moumotta]

but your suggestion that Afridi plays for himself and not the team has no basis at all.

If he was playing for the team then wouldn't he play according to the situation his team's in.

[Ghoshtbuster]

If he was playing for the team then wouldn't he play according to the situation his team's in.
What do you mean? Are you reffering to Tests, ODIs and 20/20?

As stated earlier by DM, Afridi does accord to these situations - evidenced by his strike rates in each of the respective formats.

[MalikBrother]

For those who prefer entertainment, then stick to IPL or ICL. I expect Afridi to play in IPL or ICL afterward. Playing for Pakistan is not about entertaining at all. When it comes to Pakistan, we feel patriotic toward to players contribution for Pakistan. Sadly, I don't see the same case for Afridi. For Afridi, Pakistan is joke, but six and that's what it matter to him. I d rather to drop him than play him. Afridi can play in ICL or IPL to provide entertainment.

[moumotta]

What do you mean? Are you reffering to Tests, ODIs and 20/20?

As stated earlier by DM, Afridi does accord to these situations - evidenced by his strike rates in each of the respective formats.

Thats about the format not according to the situation of his team or the match.

[Ghoshtbuster]

Playing for Pakistan is not about entertaining at all.
That statement is the complete antipode to what I believe Pakistan cricket is about, and to what makes Pakistan cricket special and distinct from the others.

[Ghoshtbuster]

Thats about the format not according to the situation of his team or the match.
in that case, I would be interested in examples which support that claim.

[moumotta]

in that case, I would be interested in examples which support that claim.

He he. You want me to spend time digging his reecords. No way. :P

[Ghoshtbuster]

He he. You want me to spend time digging his reecords. No way.
you wont find any, which support the suggestion that he plays for himself and not the team.

[Cryin Out Loud]

Well, that is an absolutley disgusting and disgraceful accusation to make.

Eh?

I would not accuse ANY Pak player of the current side to be as such. There have been instances where match-fixing lead to certian individuals performing to the detriment of the team

Match fixing? Eh? Who the heck is speaking about that? Actually Afridi is the last guy I'd accuse of match fixing.

- but your suggestion that Afridi plays for himself and not the team has no basis at all.

I never suggested he plays for himself. I suggested that he plays without the faintest inkling, glimmer, suspicion, clue, idea, hunch, feeling, notion, responsibility - of intelligence.

Or a brain.

Yeah, that's it.

[Ghoshtbuster]

I never suggested he plays for himself. I suggested that he plays without the faintest inkling, glimmer, suspicion, clue, idea, hunch, feeling, notion, responsibility - of intelligence
Thats fair enough. Previously, I asked whether you were suggesting that he plays for himself and not for the team. You replied with:
Yeah, despite the caveats and heretofores, that is exactly what I am suggesting.
and so that was the impression I was under.

But, as it stands now, it appears you have retracted the origional statement.

[DM]

Ok here it is: Afridi bats according to one situation only:

Q: There are mammals on earth who continue to breath and maintain heartbeats. Solve the problem. Show your working.

He solves the problem, he shows his working, and puts an axe to your teeth because he thinks it's christmas.

[DM]

Seriously, final answer as I see it is this:

Afridi will continue to be loved by fans because of exactly how he bats. Any attempts to tow him in, streamline him, and guaranteed his enigma will dissipate.

The good news is that the above scenario is completely redundant, an exercise in dismal futility to even contemplate it, because he will never, ever take advice from anyone except that demented gremlin resting somewhere in his boiling skull.

[moumotta]

The title of this thread Should Afridi Change his Batting Style is based on the false assumption that Afridid actually has control over how he bats.

[moumotta]

Seriously, final answer as I see it is this:

Afridi will continue to be loved by fans because of exactly how he bats. Any attempts to tow him in, streamline him, and guaranteed his enigma will dissipate.

The good news is that the above scenario is completely redundant, an exercise in dismal futility to even contemplate it, because he will never, ever take advice from anyone except that demented gremlin resting somewhere in his boiling skull.

What is the final answer then.

[DM]

I've already answered it. It's that any discussion of changing his batting is meaningless, only theoretical and it will always stay in the theoretical domain.

[DM]

And I'm glad of it.

[Cryin Out Loud]

This is actually getting funny.

[DM]

Btw Shahid Afridi can match-fix with complete impunity.

[The Blazer]

What's all this talk about match-fixing? Unnecessary!

Shahid only deals in life-fixing. And that's a play on words- By life-fixing, what Shahid really means is that he "fixes" your life- i.e. he brings a definite end to your existence.

[MalikBrother]

That statement is the complete antipode to what I believe Pakistan cricket is about, and to what makes Pakistan cricket special and distinct from the others.

But the important for to play according to situation for Pakistan. That's kind of players we want for Pakistan. Although, some prefer entertainment, but believe me, Pakistan Cricket is never entertainment for me in the first place.
I'd rather to pick Misbah over Afridi and how Misbah secure the Pakistan position. That's what i care about. I don't care if players score century, and then leave Pakistan in trouble. That's why i always admired Inzimam than Sachin as matchwinner who not only used to score century, but secure a victory for Pakistan . :|

[Cryin Out Loud]

Yeah Afridi= stoopid, I think that's the consensus.

[The Blazer]

And without even getting philosophical, what is our existence worth anyway? Nothing whatsoever- We rise, we work, we procreate, we go to sleep. It's a loop of boredom; a pointless infinite regress even.

Whereas the 'skinner- He GIBBERS dude, he GIBBERS!

I mean, what more could you want?!

:127: :127: :127:

[cars112]

That's why i always admired Inzimam than Sachin as matchwinner who not only used to score century, but secure a victory for Pakistan . :|

:19:

[The Blazer]

But the important for to play according to situation for Pakistan. That's kind of players we want for Pakistan. Although, some prefer entertainment, but believe me, Pakistan Cricket is never entertainment for me in the first place.
I'd rather to pick Misbah over Afridi and how Misbah secure the Pakistan position. That's what i care about. I don't care if players score century, and then leave Pakistan in trouble. That's why i always admired Inzimam than Sachin as matchwinner who not only used to score century, but secure a victory for Pakistan . :|
You pick Misbah over someone who brushes his teeth with the hind leg of a minotaur?

[McBoom]

Guys this discussion is meaningless, you think during all these years some one hasn't told Afridi to change his style of batting? Mere mortals have tried all but failed and he is just the way he is. Like it or hate it. He won't change a damn thing and it doesn't matter if you or me approve of it or not.



End of discussion ! :)

[jackal786]

Afridi is like Paris Hilton. She also has some fans :P

[surfer]

Shahid Afridi is a hypocrite. Anyone who only tried to hit sixes when his team needs a more patient approach and does it over and over every time can only be described as a hypocrite. He is capable of helping his team and he choses not to. The personal pleasure of one six is greater for him than a team victory. Thats hypocrisy. And such selfish, egoist and hypocrites should not be in the team.

[Indiafan]

That's why i always admired Inzimam than Sachin as matchwinner who not only used to score century, but secure a victory for Pakistan . :|

You dont seem to know the difference between an opener and a middle order player in cricket

[Somali Pirate]

Afridi does'nt need to change his batting style. In my opinion he requires a change of birth certificate

[The Blazer]

Shahid Afridi is a hypocrite. Anyone who only tried to hit sixes when his team needs a more patient approach and does it over and over every time can only be described as a hypocrite. He is capable of helping his team and he choses not to. The personal pleasure of one six is greater for him than a team victory. Thats hypocrisy. And such selfish, egoist and hypocrites should not be in the team.
Dude, you might want to pick up a dictionary and look at the meaning of hypocrisy.

[Megadeth]

Dude, you might want to pick up a dictionary and look at the meaning of hypocrisy.
:))

[DM]

Dude, you might want to pick up a dictionary and look at the meaning of hypocrisy.
:))) :)))

kinda sad for the guy too

[The Blazer]

You know what's sadder?

That the last thing we'll be seeing will be the jeering face of Afridi as he puts his horribly reptilian fingernails into our ear lobes and ruptures our ear drums, before tickling our bloodied (and petrified) malleus, incus and cochlea.

[DM]

:))) :))) :))) :)))

Afridi actually has a medical degree, but for all the wrong reasons

[The Blazer]

:))) :)))

Yep.

Medically certified to skin goats when the need arises.

[The Blazer]

DM, you creating a thread for tomorrow? :D

I'll try getting internet access at some point to see the carnage that would have inevitably unravelled. Remember, any big happens = goat signal.

[Saj]

Looking at the technical aspects of Afridi's batting there are 3 major flaws in my opinion. Flaws that I dont think can totally be eradicated at this stage of his career. They can be improved but its largely down to the player and his coaches.

Firstly, his first action is to go forward onto his front foot, meaning that most of the time he is having to play the bouncer off his front foot. A recipe for trouble.

Secondly, his head goes over to the off side, meaning that a lot of the time he is playing his big shots with his head and weight onto the off side while he is trying to play the ball on the leg side.

Thirdly, he doesnt play straight often enough. Too much hitting across the line. Looks great when it comes off, but its high risk.

[161]

Firstly, his first action is to go forward onto his front foot, meaning that most of the time he is having to play the bouncer off his front foot. A recipe for trouble.



right .. that's probably the biggest reason why he will never be anything close to an orthodox batsmen.

but at least he can try to check his aggression a bit if the big shots are obviously not working anymore.

all i'm asking is that he just take a few easy singles and hits nothing in the air for the first maybe 15-20 balls.

[MalikBrother]

You dont seem to know the difference between an opener and a middle order player in cricket

But i'd prefer Rahul over Tendulkar too. It's not that Tendulkar bat as opener which is why he can't win? I have seen Rahul often did many times. I remember when India was in 11/2 in 2 overs, but Rahul has led from 2 overs to 50 overs to secure a victory. Inzimam had to come as opener because Pakistan usually lose first two wickets from the first two overs. It's not different case at all. :|

[Saj]

Can we please stick to the topic in this thread. If you want to talk about Inzi, Tendulkar, Dravid or whoever else, by all means start another thread.

[sayed.jaffar]

Afridi is a total waste. He should simply retire from cricket and does something else. You don't have to play cricket all your life. Try something else....

[OZGOD]

Seriously, final answer as I see it is this:

Afridi will continue to be loved by fans because of exactly how he bats. Any attempts to tow him in, streamline him, and guaranteed his enigma will dissipate.

The good news is that the above scenario is completely redundant, an exercise in dismal futility to even contemplate it, because he will never, ever take advice from anyone except that demented gremlin resting somewhere in his boiling skull.

DM, if streamlining him/towing him in means his batting average improves by 15 and he becomes more reliable and consistent, would you support that?

[jackal786]

From an opposition point of view i think Afridi should not change his batting style and should play every Test :P

[The Blazer]

Look, seriously, Afridi has played the same game since day one- This has been reiterated again and again. His technique hasn't improved or declined, but do you know what has changed?

His reflexes, his hand-eye co-ordination. Afridi is in his mid-30s now (no, he was nowhere near 16 when he hit the fastest ODI century- If you disagree, then watch that footage again and take a close look at Shahid's physique- No way is that the body of a 16 year old, no matter how hench you are, which of course Afridi isn't- He's always had a slim build and he isn't extraordinarily tall either); it's time that is catching up with him now. He may still have bucketloads of power and get tremendous bat speed when hitting those big shots, but his reflexes have died down a bit now. In fact, as a case study, watch footage of a particular Pakistan match against India where Ijaz Ahmed and Shahid took apart the bowling attack: Watch some of the shots Afridi hits in that blitz; they are unbelievable, phenomenal, impossible, even.

We need to face the truth: He's getting old now (his fielding too, whilst still superb, has slipped down from its earlier super-man standard) and though he may have all the shots in the book, pulling them off successfully is getting more and more difficult. It's not a temperament thing, it's not a maturity thing, it's just human nature. It happens to all of us.

[DM]

DM, if streamlining him/towing him in means his batting average improves by 15 and he becomes more reliable and consistent, would you support that?
If it means coming at the expense of his big-hitting and consistently violent approach, then no. Shahid is Pakistan's biggest crowd-puller.

[surfer]

Dude, you might want to pick up a dictionary and look at the meaning of hypocrisy.

Hypocrite:

1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

-- Dictionary.com

Sounds like the very definition of Shahid Afridi. :>

[MalikBrother]

Hypocrite:

1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

-- Dictionary.com

Sounds like the very definition of Shahid Afridi. :>

If Afridi doesn't understand the value of cricket, will Blazer understand the word "Dictionary" related to Cricket? It's waste of time reasoning to Blind Fans. Once, The Blind (Afridi) will remain the Blind. :|

Jab Gadda naahin sudhar sakhta toh gadda pay beithnay wala log khaaq samjhein gey

[Easa]

Wait guys, what did I miss? Afridi plays cricket nowadays? Boy, is THAT a relief, last I heard off him he was hurting homosexuals near the horn of Africa for no logical or apparent reason, hurting them with words of unprecedented obscenity and fists of irrefutable fury. Glad he's playing this cricket thingymabob nowadays..

[moumotta]

Wait guys, what did I miss? Afridi plays cricket nowadays? Boy, is THAT a relief, last I heard off him he was hurting homosexuals near the horn of Africa for no logical or apparent reason, hurting them with words of unprecedented obscenity and fists of irrefutable fury. Glad he's playing this cricket thingymabob nowadays..


Now he is playing cricket for no logical or apparent reason.

[Random Aussie]

You know, when Afridi went beserk in his debut I thought he was going to be the next Inzamam. IE Massive hitter when young, who would then refine that extraordinary hand eye coordination and become a great batsman for Pakistan.

Clearly I was wrong. Too late for Afridi to change his ways now, he is what he is.

[DM]

Wait guys, what did I miss? Afridi plays cricket nowadays? Boy, is THAT a relief, last I heard off him he was hurting homosexuals near the horn of Africa for no logical or apparent reason, hurting them with words of unprecedented obscenity and fists of irrefutable fury. Glad he's playing this cricket thingymabob nowadays..
oh my goodness bahahahahahaha :))) :))) :))) :))) :))) :))) :))) I'm sorry, but the choice of words, choice of location :))) :))) :))) just too good!!

[Garuda]

From an opposition point of view i think Afridi should not change his batting style and should play every Test :P
I would wish the same. He shouldn't change.

I always feel relaxed if he is the last batsman to come against India. 99.99% chance that he will not be able to win the match for his team.

[Indiafan]

But i'd prefer Rahul over Tendulkar too. It's not that Tendulkar bat as opener which is why he can't win? I have seen Rahul often did many times. I remember when India was in 11/2 in 2 overs, but Rahul has led from 2 overs to 50 overs to secure a victory. Inzimam had to come as opener because Pakistan usually lose first two wickets from the first two overs. It's not different case at all. :|

When yiu are 2 down for say 11, the situation is immensely different than when its 0/0. in the first instance you know exactly what to do, in the second you set the tine. And the first 5 to 10 overs makes a lot of difference. You are talking of exceptional situations when middle order players have to come early but 95% of times, the first 5 to 10 overs will be ove before they come to bat.

similarly Sachin has also guided the team home in about 5% of times. But openers rarerly stay beyond 40 overs in cricket. If they dio, they will end up scoring more than 150 each time but how many scores of 150 are theri? Gilchrist and Hayden never finishes things, Hussey and Symonds do. Jaya diesnt, Jayawardne does, Anwar didnt, Inzi did, etc. Openers set the tone, middle order finishes the job.

Sahcin has a higher % of winnin centuries than Inzi which tell the tale really.

[Indiafan]

Can we please stick to the topic in this thread. If you want to talk about Inzi, Tendulkar, Dravid or whoever else, by all means start another thread.

Oh, sorry Saj abiut the last post. i will refrain.

[The Blazer]

OK, so I see that logic didn't work.

When do we start handing out goat wristbands?