EXCLUSIVE: 'I love playing fearlessly' - Afif Hossain
One of the brightest gems in the Bangladesh youth setup is Afif Hossain. The all-rounder sent shockwaves across the cricket globe with his all-round brilliance in the U19 World Cup that took place in New Zealand earlier this year.
Indeed, with a batting average of 46, he accumulated 276 runs in 6 games during the World Cup. Not only that, the all-rounder also took 8 wickets those games to help Bangladesh finish a commendable 6th position.
He has continued his fine form even in the domestic circuit while playing in the Dhaka Premier League for Shinepukur Cricket Club. Scoring 197 runs in four games at an average of 59.66, he has set the tournament rolling.
Cricfrenzy caught up with the U19 star after he made a match-winning 67 not-out against Kalabagan Krira Chakra and talked about the following issues...
Cricfrenzy (Cf): You played well in the Dhaka Premier League
game yesterday… Your thoughts?
Afif Hossain (AH): There is actually nothing much to say. I
just tried to bat according to the situation and will continue to do so in the
future.
Cf: You were dropped from the second T20I against Sri Lanka,
how did you feel about that?
AH: I don’t see it as a big deal. I was dropped due to the
team combination. I could get a chance once again in the future, I will try to
make use of that.
Cf: What do you think of your chances of getting selected
for the Nidahas trophy?
AH: I honestly don’t think too much about it. If I do get a
chance, however, I will try to perform at my level best.
Cf: People compare you with Shakib Al Hasan… what do you
have to say about that?
AH: It feels good to be compared with Shakib Al Hasan.
Everyone praises you when you do well, so it feels good at that time.
Cf: What inspires you most about Shakib Al Hasan?
AH: I love the way he plays. He is always positive in his
approach and always tries to play like that with both the bat and the ball. I
also try to do the same.
Cf: Generally, youngsters sometimes play conservatively in
the beginning, but you are quite aggressive and fearless in your nature. How
did you get this mindset?
AH: I have always loved playing like this ever since my
childhood. This is my natural game. It doesn’t matter if I do well or bad, I
always try to play like this.
