Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody believes all-rounder Abdul Samad hitting a last-ball six to seal a dramatic four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Sunday’s IPL 2023 cliffhanger could become the turning point in the youngster’s career.
Samad had been unable to take Hyderabad over the line in final over chases against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders earlier in the season. But on Sunday, a stroke of luck through a no-ball propelled him to smash a six on the free-hit against Sandeep Sharma to lead Hyderabad in chasing down 215, ending unbeaten on 17 off just 7 balls.
"What Abdul Samad has got as a young, emerging player is a rare ability to hit the ball out of the ground. He reminds me of a young Yusuf Pathan. He's got that strength, power, and it's a very hard role to play."
"I hope that it gives the management and the franchise confidence that they have got the right person, because that is the hardest part. Forget about the player having confidence, you need the organisation - wherever you are - to have confidence in you, and I think if you look at his erratic selection over the last two years, I think that hopefully this is the turning point for him," Moody was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Moody, who was the head coach of Hyderabad in 2021 and 2022, also gave a glimpse into how hard Samad, now in his fourth IPL season, works on his craft. "He's not charging off with his bat in the air; he's a very humble, quietly-spoken guy."
"But behind all that is someone that works extremely hard at his craft and is constantly trying to improve on his game in a role that is exceptionally hard to play. More often than not, you see your mature players playing in those roles, not a 21-year-old."
"Abdul Samad's 21, and we are judging him on his history as a 21-year-old. Let's judge him on his history when he's 28, and then make judgement on whether he's consistent in one of the hardest roles to play."
Also Read: IPL 2023 Points Table
Now at ninth place in the points table with eight points and keeping their slim hopes of making the playoffs alive, Hyderabad’s next match in IPL 2023 will be against Lucknow Super Giants at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday afternoon.