'Hopefully, this time...' - Afghanistan batter Najibullah Zadran keen to play IPL 2024 for blockbuster franchise, sets his sights on the same as millions of fans

Afghanistan had a dream campaign in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, scripting an unforgettable chapter in their cricketing history. Before arriving into the 2023 WC, they had just one win in the premier 50-over tournament. However, they left India as the second best Asian team with four wins, including three against the former world champions.

Afghanistan even had a great chance to qualify for the semi-finals had not Glenn Maxwell played one of the greatest ODI knock against them. The Aussie all-rounder single-handedly took the game away from them with a stunning double century. Najibullah Zadran, who was largely on the bench during Afghanistan's historic World Cup campaign, recently opened up about his team's heartbreaking defeat against Australia. 

In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, the middle-order batter spoke about various things such as dressing room emotions during the WC, 2024 T20 World Cup preparations, Naveen-ul-Haq being greeted with 'Kohli-Kohli' chants and his dream team to play in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Here are excerpts from Najibullah Zadran's exclusive chat with HT

When asked about how Afghanistan were skocked by Maxwell's ruthless hitting that denied them a semis berth, Zadran said: 

"Yes, we are pretty hurt. The match was completely in our hands. It was just a matter of a single wicket. The way Maxi (Maxwell) played... it was unbelievable. I have never seen something like that. The way he battled injury and smashed a double century, and that too, against a world-class bowling lineup. We could have had a very easy chance at World Cup semi-final qualification if we had won the match against Australia. To be honest, we did try everything. Everyone was pretty sad, but that's the part and parcel of the game. We can still be very happy with the way we played."

The 2023 World Cup has also put an end to the Virat Kohli-Naveen-ul-Haq issues as the duo sorted out their differences and were seen smiling and hugging on the field after the India-Afghanistan match. But the Afghan pacer was greeted with chants of 'Kohli-Kohli' during his team's initial matches. Asked if there were any conversations about it in the dressing room, the 30-year-old said:

"No no. There was no discussion about that. Virat obviously has a great fan following in India. But Naveen said that he received similar treatment from fans in the IPL as well. He only focussed on his bowling. There was no conversation about it in the dressing room. What happened in the match, stayed on the field."

The next major international tournament will be the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, and all teams have shifted their focus from the 50-over to the 20-over format. Asked about his preparations for the marquee event, Zadran said:

"I have started practicing for T20s. I want to come back to form. I finished well in the last few matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. There is a series against UAE, then India. So, there is good match practice and I just want to keep up the good work."

Zadran is currently showcasing his skills in the Abu Dhabi T10 League with Morrisville Samp Army. The left-handed batter has expressed his interest in playing in the 2024 IPL and has named the team he wants to play for as the mini-auction is scheduled to take place on December 19.

"Every player dreams of playing in the IPL. So is mine. I want to play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Virat Kohli hasn't won the IPL, and hopefully, this time, we win it," he said.