We are used to big games, don’t fear facing India: Omarzai

Seam-bowling all-rounders are precious commodities. No team knows that better than India, which has often had a vexing search for multifaceted options who can bat in the top seven and bowl fast. Even when such cricketers come along, like in the cases of Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar, the spectre of injury tends to loom large.

Currently, Afghanistan doesn’t face that predicament due to the regular presence of Azmatullah Omarzai. In the past couple of years, the 26-year-old has established himself as one of the leading all-rounders in the world in white-ball cricket. He won the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award for his exploits in 2024.

Omarzai is gearing up for three T20Is against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from September 13 to 17. The assignment, where Afghanistan will be the official host, follows a one-off Test and three ODIs against India in June. With the Afghans getting to rub shoulders with India’s marquee players more frequently, especially in the IPL, Omarzai feels they are no longer overawed.

“We used to watch the big names on TV and now we play with them. When we play internationally, we don’t feel extra pressure. We are used to playing big matches in front of big crowds. There is no fear playing against India. All the players are on an equal footing,” Omarzai said over a Zoom call.

In the absence of top-notch facilities in Kabul, Afghanistan shuffles between India and the UAE for its ‘home’ matches. According to Omarzai, it is far from ideal to not have a dedicated home venue. “It is difficult. The conditions in the UAE and Kabul are similar. That is why we are more successful in the UAE. We try to adjust wherever we go. We don’t get home advantage like other countries do because they play at home,” he noted.

(Watch Afghanistan vs India T20I series live and exclusive on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD from September 13)