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]

Originally Posted by ca_gold 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]

Originally Posted by Sufian84 he will never change. end of discution.

Did you mean dissection?

[DM]

blaze, legend!

[161]

Originally Posted by ca_gold 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

agreed. entertainment factor is there, actual results, sadly, are not.

[DM]

Originally Posted by ca_gold 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by The Blazer 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 afridi

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Alam_dar]

Originally Posted by lollol - 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

[Ghoshtbuster]

Originally Posted by iafzal 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]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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]

Do you reall think he is going to change?

[Cryin Out Loud]

Originally Posted by DM 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by jackal786 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]

Originally Posted by jackal786

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]

Originally Posted by Cryin Out Loud 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]

Originally Posted by infamous9383 afridi sucks....

...blood.

[12thMan]

Afridi needs a new bat

[Nadia]

Originally Posted by 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.

I can't stop laughing on this post

[jackal786]

Originally Posted by 12thMan Afridi needs a new bat

You mean this?

[moumotta]

Originally Posted by 12thMan 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]

Originally Posted by kashif77 seems like it's impossible to have a serious discussion about afridi anymore.

Because no one takes him seriously.

[Cryin Out Loud]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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]

Originally Posted by Cryin Out Loud 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]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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]

Originally Posted by moumotta 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]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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]

Originally Posted by MalikBrother 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]

Originally Posted by moumotta 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]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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.

[Ghoshtbuster]

Originally Posted by moumotta 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]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster Well, that is an absolutley disgusting and disgraceful accusation to make.

Eh?

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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.

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster - 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]

Originally Posted by Cryin Out Loud 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:

Originally Posted by Cryin Out Loud 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster 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?!

[cars112]

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

[The Blazer]

Originally Posted by MalikBrother 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

[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]

Originally Posted by MalikBrother 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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