At a World Cup where batters have struggled to find form, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has stood out, leading the scoring charts with his impressive performances. Known for his playful nature off the field, Gurbaz once pranked a tuk-tuk driver in Kolkata, disguising himself and claiming he had no money. The driver, initially confused, eventually recognised Gurbaz and was overwhelmed with joy, offering him a free ride and even some change. This anecdote highlights Gurbaz’s charm and connection with fans.
Despite his off-field antics, Gurbaz faced a serious personal challenge earlier this season. While playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he received a distressing call about his ailing mother and had to rush back home to Afghanistan. This period was emotionally taxing for the 22-year-old, who found solace in the presence of his mother.
During this difficult time, Gurbaz’s longtime coach, Mohammad Khan Zadran, encouraged him to return to cricket to lift his spirits. Gurbaz participated in a few friendly matches back home, gradually regaining his confidence. He confided in Zadran about his situation at KKR, where Phil Salt was performing well, limiting his opportunities. “Phil (Salt) is playing really well. That’s why I do not have a place in the XI. He’s scoring the runs. Agar mujhe mauka mila, toh mai bhi karunga. (If I get the opportunity, I’ll do as well),” Gurbaz expressed.
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.