I will never ever try a reverse flick off a fast bowler, says Hashim Amla

The South African batsman Hashim Amla is known for his classy batting across all formats of the game. Even in the T20s, he is one of the few batsmen who maintain the grace in batting by playing proper cricketing strokes and not trying the extravagant shots to collect runs.

His cover drives, flicks and cuts are so pleasing to watch and he reckons he does not feel the need to play the risky innovative shots like his countryman AB de Villiers. Both batsmen represent the two extremes of the game as one relies on typical shots of the book and the other hits to all parts of the ground by being inventive.

While talking to PTI, Amla admitted that he would not attempt shots like de Villiers, “No, I will never ever try a reverse flick off a fast bowler. Any shot that you want to try out in the match requires lots of practice. Like the ramp shot is common in T20s as lots of players have it in their arsenal. When I come to practice, I come with my specific set of plans.”

His franchise Kings XI Punjab had named Glenn Maxwell as the skipper before the league and it had raised a few eyebrows. But Amla was pleased with the move and appreciated the Australian hard-hitting batsman for his captaincy style.

“Maxi is a very relaxed guy. He urges everyone to play a confident game of cricket. I have had many interactions with Maxi since the last edition of IPL and he has been very receptive. Also, he is a wonderful player. If he gets going, he gets destructive,” he said.

Talking about their previous captain Murali Vijay, he said, ” Vijay is an exceptional T20 player as we have all seen in all these editions of IPLs. But his absence also means an opportunity for another player to step up and win matches for Kings XI Punjab.”

The Kings XI Punjab franchise has had a torrid time in the IPL for the last two seasons as they finished last on the points table on both occasions. But Amla believes they are well prepared this time and around and hopes for better returns. “I am very confident that our performance will be very good this time around. From the team perspective, we are as prepared as any other team in the competition. We have played a lot of cricket behind us,” the 34-year-old added.

He also expressed his admiration for Virender Sehwag who has joined the Punjab squad as a mentor. He said, “I joined the team last year and all I can say is that in T20 league, start is important. A good start gives you a lot of confidence. Virender Sehwag [Head of Cricket Operations] has done an exceptional job with the cricketers.”

“Viru we all know is one of India’s greatest batsman of all time. He is not someone who would tell you in a particular style. I have seen him encourage every player to play the best they can within their own capabilities. He tells the boys to maximize their potential in whatever way they can which will help the team,” he added.