‘I’m nowhere near to him’ – Shadab Khan on comparisons with Steve Smith

Shadab Khan, the young Pakistan leg-spinner, doesn’t wish to be compared with Steve Smith, the Australian batsman. Shadab recently plied his trade for the Islamabad United, who have already been eliminated from the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In the tournament, the 21-year-old Shadab flourished more as a batsman than as a bowler.  

In nine games, the leggie could only manage eight wickets at an economy of 8.24. However, with the bat in hand, he ended as one of the leading run-scorers of the T20 league. Shadab managed a significant 263 runs at an average of 37.57 with three half-centuries to his name.

That Shadab outshone his performances as a bowler sparked his comparisons with Smith. The latter started his career as a leg-spinner before transforming into a world class batsman. However, Shadab feels that it’s way too early for him to be compared to the ICC’s number one ranked Test batsman.

I am still a bowling all-rounder: Shadab Khan

“I don’t think I can be compared to him (Smith), who is a legend. I am nowhere near him. It is too early to compare me with anyone,” Shadab was quoted as saying in Geo Super.

Shadab sees himself as a bowler, who could contribute with the bat as well. Talking about his poor show with the ball, Khan said that the conditions weren’t conducive to spin bowling.

“I am still a bowling all-rounder and I will remain one. I couldn’t take many wickets here because the conditions were not supportive for spinners,” Shadab said.

In the PSL, Shadab promoted himself up the order and even went on to bat at number three. But he doesn’t wish to clutter his mind about his batting position in the national team, saying that the coach and captain would be taking a call on it.

“As far as my batting position is concerned [in the national teams], I am ready to have a go at any position according to the requirement of the team. My batting position is up to the captain and coach,” he stated.

Shadab is also not fussed about captaining Pakistan either. Rather he wishes to focus on getting more wickets for his team. “I am not even thinking about any such thing at this moment. I am focused on my performance and contributing for my team,” Khan added.