by Shakir Ashraf
SRINAGAR: Abdul Samad, Jammu and Kashmir cricketer who impressed everyone with his big-hitting ability during Indian Premier League(IPL) 2020 has been retained by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise.
On Wednesday, SRH announced the list of 22 players they retained ahead of IPL auction for 2021 addition. The list includes J&K cricketer Abdul Samad who recently played brilliant knocks during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Samad came into headlines when he was sent to bat on number six during Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy as senior international cricketers and commentators criticised the decision. Harsha Bogle an Indian commentator tweeted “ Just seeing some of the scores in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament and pained to see Abdul Samad batting at no 6 for J&K. I don’t know what the reason is no future in batting no 6v for a stater side in T20” and when Samad’s batting order was changed to number 3 he scored 54 runs from 35 balls, then Bogle again tweeted “ In a 125 run chase JandK finally elevate Abdul Samad and he smacks 54(35). He is going to be a fine player.”
In the last edition of IPL Samad played 12 matches scored 11runs with a strike rate of 170. In his journey to 111 runs, he smashed 6 sixes and 8 fours. Unlike his batting, his bowling was unimpressive as in 12 matches he bagged only one wicket with an economy of 13.
J&K Fast bowler Mujtaba Yousuf who was the part of Kolkata Night Rider team as a net bowler in IPL 2020 impressed everyone by his bowling in Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament and now has been called by Mumbai Indians for trials.
