Regaining confidence at home

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been a standout performer at the World Cup, consistently topping the scoring charts with his exceptional displays. Despite his playful nature off the field, Gurbaz once played a prank on a tuk-tuk driver in Kolkata by pretending he had no money. The driver was initially confused but soon realised who Gurbaz was and graciously offered him a free ride and some change. This incident showcases Gurbaz's charm and strong connection with his fans.

Earlier in the season, Gurbaz faced a personal crisis when he received distressing news about his mother's health while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He had to rush back to Afghanistan to be by her side during this difficult time. With the support of his longtime coach, Mohammad Khan Zadran, Gurbaz slowly regained his confidence by playing in friendly matches back home.

Despite facing tough competition at KKR, with Phil Salt performing well and limiting his opportunities, Gurbaz remained positive and expressed his determination to make the most of any chance he gets. He acknowledged Salt's impressive form but remained confident in his abilities, saying, "If I get the opportunity, I'll perform just as well."

His return to the IPL was marked by a stellar performance in the final, where he played a crucial role in setting up the chase with an early flurry of boundaries. After winning the title, Gurbaz dedicated the victory to his mother. “My mom is watching from home. She is feeling good now. I asked Mom before the match if she wanted anything. She said, ‘Just win’.”

This emotional journey and the support from his family and coach have significantly boosted Gurbaz’s confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup. His fearless approach to batting has been a highlight, as seen in his impactful performances that helped Afghanistan secure a Super-8 spot and a memorable win over New Zealand.

“Darpok nahi hai (He isn’t afraid of playing big shots),” Zadran says, emphasising Gurbaz’s courage. His willingness to take risks and play aggressive shots sets him apart. Zadran notes that while other players might hesitate, Gurbaz confidently declares, “This one’s gone. Six!”

Gurbaz’s liberal stance and quick footwork also contribute to his success. “He shuffles quickly. Which is why he doesn’t leave the ball going outside his line but rather attacks it. It’s why he’s so good at his strokes on the leg stump,” Zadran explains. However, this aggressive style can sometimes be a double-edged sword, as seen in recent games where he was dismissed by late movement.

“Against PNG, he played a stroke and the ball came back in. He didn’t judge the hand of the bowler and thought it would go straight with the angle, but it came back in,” Zadran analyses.

Despite these challenges, Gurbaz’s journey from an emotional low to a leading scorer at the World Cup is a testament to his resilience and passion for cricket. His story is not just about overcoming personal struggles but also about the unwavering support from those around him, driving him to excel on the world stage.