Nicky Boje reckons Imran Tahir needs more control

Former South African left-arm spinner Nicky Boje has stated that Imran Tahir needs more control should he be effective across all formats of the game. The 36-year old who made his debut in the 2011 World Cup has been a regular part of the limited overs side. However, the Proteas selectors have had to dip into the domestic circuit to find players such as Simon Harmer and Aaron Phangiso.

Tahir, who currently plies his leg-spinning trade with the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL has been one of the major impact players for any team he has played for.

“I think Imran has done well for South Africa. He has been consistent in ODIs and T20s but his performance in Tests hasn’t been that great,” Boje, who is in the city to guide budding cricketers in the Ultimate Sports coaching camp, being conducted by Golden Goose, told the reporters on Friday (May 20).

“He has improved a lot but he has the tendency of bowling a loose ball after a few good deliveries. That’s why he bleeds runs. He needs to work hard on it so that he gains more control,” he added.

“World T20 will be taking place once in every four years. So the next World T20 will be in 2020. I don’t think many of the current players will continue till then and it’ll be a huge challenge for Cricket South Africa to find proper replacements for these legends,” he said.

When asked about who the better T20 batsman was among Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, Boje stated that it would be unfair to compare these players.

Boje said, “It’s unfair to compare them and I wouldn’t be able to pick just one player among these three. Gayle is known for power hitting, AB for his finesse and Virat for total control of shots and finishing ability. I think all of them are great and it’s pleasing to watch them performing at their best,” he concluded.