Rohan Mustafa, the all-rounder of the UAE national cricket team, has reacted to the fact that the Nepali cricket team has missed Sandeep Lamichhane.
Nepal lost to the UAE by 84 runs in the first match of the three one-day international series under UAE’s tour of Nepal. Rohan Mustafa, who returned to the UAE national team in the game, contributed the highest 53 runs for the UAE and took 1 wicket with only 27 runs in 9 overs.
While reacting after the match, Mustafa said that Nepal missed Sandeep while bowling in the middle overs –
“Honestly, they were missing Sandeep. He was the main bowler in the middle overs who used to give wickets. When you don’t have a bowler like that, the pressure is on the other bowlers. But the bowlers have to keep believing in themselves and learn how to take wickets in the middle overs.”
“Sandeep is the best bowler not only in Associates but in the world. Nepal will definitely miss him. Talking to Ahmed (Raja) after the match, Nepal missed Sandeep in the middle. Nepal also missed him in the last because Sandeep would bowl 3-4 overs in the last. It used to be. Of course, it is not easy to find a player like him.” The post is vacant after CAN suspend the then captain Sandeep Lamichhane due to allegations of rape of a minor. Sandeep is in custody pending trial.
He said that the absence of Paras Khadka in the Nepali team also made a difference and Rohit Poudel will take Paras Khadka’s place in the future – “I have not seen a batsman and player like Paras. He was a very confident player. Not only that, but he used to give confidence to other batsmen and players. Rohit Poudel can replace Paras in future.
“Rohit is young, it will take time. Naturally, there was pressure on him as captain. He was doing well in batting. It will take time. Nepal is a good batting country, and they have to believe in themselves.”
Mustafa said that Nepali batsman Dipendra Airee, who scored a half-century in the game, was also not in good form.
“The way Dipendra played today, he was a little out of touch. He is a player who rotates strikes and makes regular runs. The Nepali team is classy and can do much better.”
Rohan was not a member of the team when UAE participated in the recent T20 World Cup in Australia. He expressed his happiness for returning to the team after the World Cup and performing well.
“I did well in practice matches before coming to Nepal. Of course, it is very sad to miss the World Cup. Yes, I will always remember this. But I have no other option but to suffer. I was under pressure when I came to Nepal, and I am very happy to do well. I feel very happy after returning to the team and winning. Nepal is a stronger team when playing at home.”
The second and third matches of the series will be played on November 16 and 18.
Rohan Mustafa’s Interview on WicketNepal YouTube
