IPL 2021: Chennai Super Kings Rope in Afghanistan Pacer Ahead Of The Tournament
Chennai Super Kings have roped in Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi as a net bowler for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, who recently made his international debut has been roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a net bower for the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.
Farooqi has played just one T20I for Afghanistan and is the second international fast bowler to join CSK’s net bowling set-up after South African pacer Hardus Viljoen.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) informed the fans by updating the news of Farooqi’s selection via a tweet.
“Young Fast bowler @fazalhaqfarooq6 left to India where he is roped in as a net bowler by @ChennaiIPL for the upcoming season of @IPL!,” the tweet from ACB read.
Who is Fazalhaq Farooqi?
Fazalhaq Farooqi is a left-arm fast-medium bowler. The 20-year-old has played 12 first-class matches, 6 List A games and 2 T20s so far. He will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with legendary India captain MS Dhoni, who will lead CSK in IPL 2021.
He recently made his international debut in a T20I game against Zimbabwe earlier in the month which was played in Abu Dhabi. He bowled four overs in that match by just conceding 27 runs. Farooqi also got a wicket during the match.
He hasn’t played too much of T20 cricket but clearly, the CSK management has seen something in this young kid, because of which they signed him.
The difference between Farooqi and other players coming out of Afghanistan is that only that he is a fast bowler while the country is known for producing several spinners.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Prior IPL Experience
Fazalhaq Farooqi has been part of the IPL before, serving as Kings XI Punjab’s (now named Punjab Kings) net bowler in the 2020 edition of the T20 competition.
Last year, Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled to the likes of Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, and Mayank Agarwal. Ahead of his experience in the UAE, where IPL 2020 was played, Farooqi was thankful for the huge opportunity provided to him.
“I am glad I have got the opportunity because IPL is a huge platform for me to grow as a player and to be with world-class players. I’m sure it is going to be a wonderful experience for me,” he said.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s presence in the CSK nets will definitely help their batsmen ahead of IPL 2021. The fast bowler bowls at a good pace and his left-arm angle will throw up a different challenge for CSK batsmen.
