DC vs RR: Gulbadin Naib Makes Delhi Debut, Adds to Afghan

Indian Premier League 2024, Match 56

New Delhi: Gulbadin Naib, the Afghan cricket stalwart, made his long-awaited IPL debut on Tuesday as he stepped onto the field representing Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Naib’s inclusion added to the rich Afghan cricket legacy in the tournament, featuring players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Naib, who has been a prominent figure in international cricket since 2011, has captained Afghanistan in major tournaments, including the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. His addition to the Delhi Capitals squad came as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh, who is nursing a hamstring injury.

In a strategic move against the Royals, Naib took the place of South African pacer Lizaad Williams in the playing XI. With 126 T20 matches under his belt, Naib brings a wealth of experience, having scored 1626 runs and taken 70 wickets in his T20 career.

The Afghan all-rounder now joins the elite ranks of Afghan cricketers who have left their mark on the IPL. Alongside Naib, other Afghans who have featured in the tournament include Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi, among others.

In addition to Naib’s debut, South Africa’s Donovan Ferreira also marked his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals. The 25-year-old, who represents the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, has showcased his prowess in T20 cricket with 933 runs in 53 matches at an impressive strike rate of 153.96.

As the IPL heats up towards the playoffs, both teams are aiming for crucial wins. Rajasthan Royals are just one victory away from securing their spot in the playoffs, while Delhi Capitals are striving to break into the top four after a challenging start to the season.

Playing XIs:

Delhi Capitals:

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Tristan Stubbs, Gulbadin Naib, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Subs: Rasikh Dar Salam, Praveen Dubey, Lalit Yadav, Sumit Kumar, Kumar Kushagra

Rajasthan Royals:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (w/c), Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Subs: Jos Buttler, Kuldeep Sen, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tanush Kotian, Kunal Singh Rathore

The clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams vie for supremacy in the IPL 2024

Who is Gulbadin Naib?

Gulbadin Naib is an Afghan cricketer who has represented Afghanistan in various formats of the game. He was born on March 16, 1991, in Paktia, Afghanistan. Naib is an all-rounder, known for his medium-pace bowling and aggressive batting style.

Naib made his international debut for Afghanistan in April 2011 in a One Day International (ODI) against Canada. Since then, he has been a regular member of the Afghan cricket team across formats. He has played in several ICC Cricket World Cups, including the 2015 and 2019 editions.

In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup held in England and Wales, Naib captained the Afghanistan team. Although Afghanistan did not have a successful campaign, Naib’s leadership and contributions on the field were notable.

As an all-rounder, Naib has been a valuable asset for Afghanistan in limited-overs cricket. He has contributed with both bat and ball, often playing crucial roles in Afghanistan’s victories.

In addition to his international career, Gulbadin Naib has also been involved in various domestic T20 leagues around the world. His IPL debut came in 2024 when he represented Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. Naib’s inclusion in the IPL added to the growing presence of Afghan cricketers in the tournament.

Gulbadin Naib: Afghanistan’s Versatile Cricket Star

Early Life and Career:

Born on March 16, 1991, in Puli Alam, Logar, Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib is an Afghan cricketer known for his all-round abilities. He made his debut for Afghanistan against Japan in the 2008 World Cricket League Division Five, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in cricket. Naib’s rise to prominence was documented in the film “Out of the Ashes,” which followed Afghanistan’s cricket team’s journey to international recognition. He showcased his dedication to fitness, citing Arnold Schwarzenegger as one of his inspirations.

Naib’s talent earned him a spot in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2010 Asian Games, where he contributed to the team’s silver medal victory. He continued to make strides in domestic and international cricket, making his List A debut for Afghanistan and later participating in the Faysal Bank Twenty-20 Cup.

International Career:

Naib made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Canada in 2011 and quickly became a regular in Afghanistan’s squad. He played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket, featuring in significant tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.

One of Naib’s notable performances came during the 2011 ACC Twenty20 Cup final, where his innings of 57 runs helped Afghanistan secure the title. He continued to impress in both ODIs and T20Is, contributing with both bat and ball.

In April 2019, Naib was appointed as the captain of Afghanistan’s ODI team ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup. Despite challenges, including a winless campaign in the tournament, Naib’s leadership and all-round skills remained commendable.

Throughout his career, Naib has been a consistent performer, achieving milestones such as his first five-wicket haul in ODIs and playing his 100th international match for Afghanistan.

T20 Franchise Career:

Naib’s talents also earned him opportunities in T20 franchise cricket. He represented teams like Balkh Legends in the Afghanistan Premier League and Sylhet Sixers in the Bangladesh Premier League.

In 2024, Naib made his much-awaited debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing Delhi Capitals. His inclusion in the IPL marked another milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility on the global stage.

Conclusion:

Gulbadin Naib’s journey from Afghanistan’s local cricket grounds to international stadiums is a testament to his talent and dedication. As an all-rounder, he has contributed significantly to Afghanistan’s cricketing success and continues to shine in various cricket leagues worldwide. Naib’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in Afghanistan and beyond, highlighting the potential for growth and excellence in the sport.