Pakistan’s Under-19 vice-captain Haider Ali has revealed that India’s limited overs opener Rohit Sharma is his role model. Haider Ali, who had opened the innings for Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup has shown the right promise. The right-hander is also selected in Pakistan’s 29-member squad for the tour of England.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has been a consistent performer in the last seven years. Ergo, the Mumbai batsman has inspired the young generation. The Indian veteran is a treat to the eyes and he has been able to make the most of his talent.
In fact, Rohit didn’t have a great start to his International career however he was able to turn the tide after opening the innings in the Champions Trophy 2013. The right-hander hasn’t looked back since then and he is a match winner for the Indian team.
On the other side, Haider Ali has been taking the right steps in his young career. The 19-year prodigy batsman was awarded an emerging contract as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the list of the centrally contracted batsman for the 2020-21 season.
Haider Ali praised Rohit Sharma for scoring big centuries. The Indian opener is the solitary batsman to score three double centuries in the ODI format and he has gone past the 150-run mark on eight occasions. The youngster added that he also wants to emulate Rohit Sharma’s success.
“As far as role models are concerned, mine is Rohit Sharma,” 19-year-old Haider said in a video press conference.
“I really like him as a player, and want to give the side an aggressive start at the top, and hit the ball cleanly like him. He is a man for all three formats, and he can adapt his game to all three formats. And the thing I like best is when he crosses 50, he moves on to a 100, and then he’s thinking of 150, and even 200. That’s what I want to do: to think about getting big scores, and when I get there, aim for even bigger ones. He finishes the game off for his side, and is a real match-winner,” Haider added.
Haider Ali will be in focus on the tour of England in August. Pakistan will play three Test matches and as many T20Is in the English conditions and the youngster will like to grab his opportunities if he gets a chance in the final XI.
The right-hander had impressed while playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League. Ali had scored 239 runs in nine matches at an average of 29.87 and a whirlwind strike rate of 158.27.
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