Exclusive: Ghazanfar Does Not Need To Change His Technique For IPL, Insists His Mentor Dawlat Ahmadzai

Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar has captured the cricketing world's attention after being snapped up by the Mumbai Indians for a staggering Rs. 4.80 crore ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League. 

The young Afghan spin prodigy had already showcased his talent on the global stage during the last ICC Under-19 World Cup, cementing his reputation as a rising star.

Yet, this meteoric rise might never have happened if not for a pivotal encounter in 2022. 

At the Muhammad Mirza Katawazai Cricket Center in Kabul, Ghazanfar met his mentor, Dawlat Ahmadzai, during a training camp. At the time, he was grappling with a critical decision: whether to pursue fast bowling or transition to spin. 

The guidance he received during those formative moments proved instrumental in shaping his journey.

THE FAST BOWLER WHO EVENTUALLY SHIFTED HIS FOCUS TO BECOME AN OFF-SPINNER

During an exclusive chat with Sports Boom, Dawlat revealed that transforming Ghazanfar from a pace bowler to a spinner was not an easy task.

“When we decided to shift our focus from fast bowling to spin bowling, it marked a significant turning point in Ghazanfar's cricketing career. As his coach, I dedicated myself to transforming him into a skilled and proficient spinner by refining his bowling action, developing various delivery techniques, and enhancing his overall game. This transition was challenging, requiring immense effort and practice, particularly when introducing new elements like sliders, which we practiced using heavier balls,” Dawlat told SportsBoom.com. 

“To ensure Ghazanfar mastered these techniques, we began our training sessions in a seated position, gradually moving to short and long run-ups while still using the heavy balls. This comprehensive approach allowed us to practice every conceivable variation with a standard cricket ball, transitioning from sitting to standing positions and adjusting run-up lengths. As we continued to train diligently, Ghazanfar's progress became evident. He gained confidence, began to excel in the nets, and consistently outfoxed batsmen. I continually motivated him, reinforcing the belief that he could emerge as an exceptional spinner for the Afghanistan national cricket team in the future,” he said.

“One critical aspect of our training was to develop a way for Ghazanfar to keep his hand position a mystery from batsmen while bowling. To achieve this, we recorded videos of his bowling sessions daily, ensuring he could conceal his finger placements and variations effectively. This ability to maintain ambiguity in his deliveries became one of Ghazanfar's standout qualities, making it difficult for opponents to predict his next move,” he said.

“Ghazanfar’s greatest strength is the unpredictability of his bowling. Similar to Mujeeb, he has an extensive range of variations that make it difficult for batters to anticipate his deliveries. Additionally, Ghazanfar’s considerable pace further complicates matters for opposing batsmen, making it harder for them to read his hand movements,” he said, adding that there are still areas for improvement for the youngster."

“Ghazanfar’s enigmatic quality as a spinner stems largely from his unique background as a former fast bowler. This prior experience has endowed him with a robust physicality; his minor and major muscle groups, particularly those in his fingers and shoulders, are well-developed and powerful. This strength is particularly advantageous because it allows him to maintain his pace while executing various spin techniques. Consequently, his ability to deliver the ball with speed, regardless of the type of spin, makes him difficult for batsmen to anticipate and read, solidifying his reputation as a mysterious bowler,” he said.

NO NEED TO TRY TOO MANY THINGS IN IPL         

Ghazanfar remains in regular contact with Ahmadzai as he prepares for the IPL alongside his other international commitments. His mentor insists that his 6'2" tall student does not need to overthink or change his techniques for the cash-rich tournament.

“Looking ahead to the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ghazanfar does not require drastic changes to his technique. Instead, his focus should be directed toward tactical elements, such as analyzing the opposing batsmen, devising strategies, and determining optimal field placements,” said Dawlat.

“Understanding the pitch conditions is also crucial, as these factors play a significant role in a bowler's effectiveness. Given my extensive involvement in his development as his coach, I am uniquely positioned to guide him through any necessary adjustments. I will ensure that he is well-prepared to adapt to the demands of the IPL while leveraging his existing strengths,” he concluded.

As the IPL approaches, all eyes are on Ghazanfar. With his mentor’s backing and his unique skill set, the young spinner has a chance to surprise and shine on cricket’s biggest T20 stage. The journey from Kabul to the IPL has been anything but ordinary, and the best might still be yet to come.