Too early to compare me with Steve Smith, says Shadab Khan

Islamabad United all-rounder Shadab Khan has played down his comparison with Australia’s Steve Smith, saying that he’s nowhere near the Australian superstar.

Khan, 21, started his career as leg spinner but this PSL he also put his newfound batting prowess for display, making some say how is evolution is mirroring that of Smith, who had also graduated from being a leggie to a bona fide batsman.

Shadab, however, discourages any such comparison, reminding his fans fans that he has a long way to go.

“I don’t think I can be compared to him (Smith), who is a legend," said the United skipper. "I am nowhere near him. It is too early to compare me with anyone."

However, the Pakistani all-rounder did admit that he idolises Smith.

Shadab promoted himself up the batting order during PSL 2020, and although Islamabad have been knocked out of the tournament, it was of no fault of the captain's.

He scored 263 runs in eight innings, including three half-centuries.

The young all rounder insists that he’s still a bowling all-rounder and has no plans to ditch his actual strength, which is leg-spin.

“I am still a bowling all-rounder and I will remain one. I couldn’t take many wickets here because the conditions were not supportive for spinners,” he said.

“As far as my batting position is concerned [in the national teams], I am ready to have a go at any position according to the requirement of the team. My batting position is up to the captain and coach,” he said.

He also played down speculation of him being a future captaincy candidate for Pakistan team.

“I am not even thinking about any such thing at this moment. I am focused on my performance and contributing for my team,” he said.

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