IND vs AFG 1st T20I — Ibrahim Zadran keen to enjoy new responsibility

Ibrahim Zadran will take over the leadership duties from Rashid Khan. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Ibrahim Zadran has led Afghanistan in the T20 format on 11 previous occasions. But when he takes charge against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, he will be donning the role of full-time skipper for the first time. The opening batter was entrusted with the top job after Afghanistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup under Rashid Khan earlier this year.

“It is a new responsibility. As a captain, I want to enjoy it, take responsibility and make the right decisions in pressure situations. Challenges will be there. I am looking to improve myself and execute my plans according to the given situation,” Ibrahim told reporters.

Although Afghanistan’s status as host offers little in terms of home advantage, the 24-year-old said his players were familiar enough with the conditions to compete with India.

“We have played enough cricket here in India. We know the conditions and how to adjust ourselves. We have played the T20 and ODI World Cups in India,” he stated.