World Cup 2023: Ajay Jadeja trends on social media after Afghanistan stun Babar Azam's Pakistan

While Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott deserves a lot of the credit for the team's dream run, Ajay Jadeja's role cannot be overlooked, says the internet.

Ajay Jadeja as Afghanistan's mentor

It's a moment preserved for posterity for the Afghanistan men's cricket team which, on the back of the England win, has now stunned Pakistan in World Cup 2023. To make things all the more special, Hashmatullah Shahidi & Co. outclassed Pakistan in all departments and nothing about their great victory seemed scratchy or by fluke.

Also Read: Indian fans want DJ to play 'Dil Dil Pakistan' after Afghan's 8-wicket victory

Fittingly, the news is now trending all over social media and so is former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja who joined Team Afghanistan very recently as their mentor. While Jonathan Trott, the former English batter who serves as the head coach of this team, must be given a lot of the credit for the dream run, Ajay Jadeja's role cannot be overlooked says the internet.

Jadeja, who played 196 ODI games for India between 1992 and 2000 with more than 5300 runs to his name, is well aware of the threat that Pakistan poses at such a grand stage. One could say that his role as a mentor involves him operating behind the scenes, there is no doubt that his candour and experience have been well utilized by Afghanistan. In fact, the Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaaz expressed gratitude to Ajay Jadeja following the win over England a few days ago, adding that the Indian player has been an invaluable asset during the World Cup 2023 campaign.

Also Read: ENG vs AFG: Rashid Khan overwhelmed with support, says, 'Delhi sach mein dil walon ki hai'

Bollywood actor and singer Ayushmann Khurrana was among the many on social media who acknowledged Ajay Jadeja's influence on the team. The 'Dream Girl 2' also confessed that he wishes to see Pakistan in the semis for another "exciting match" against India.

Watch Gadar 2 on OTTplay by subscribing to the Jhakaas pack which provides access to 16 OTTs at just Rs 199/month.

Coming back to the win, Afghanistan chased down Pakistan's 282 with 8 wickets and an over to spare, making it one of their cleanest victories. Senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi later said that although his team has a number of big victories under its belt now, this win against Babar Azam's men would be quite special. Both Afghan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, scored big fifties and so did Rahmat Shah, who saw the team through with his gritty 77 (84). Shah remained not out with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi who scored 48 from 45 balls.

Share