Which former Indian cricketer is Afghanistan's mentor for the 2023 World Cup?

Afghanistan created history on Monday, October 23 by defeating Pakistan for the first time in ODIs.

Heading into the 2023 World Cup clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the two teams had clashed seven times in the format, with Pakistan winning all seven matches. Afghanistan, however, came up with a clinical effort to open their account against Pakistan.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the game. They got off to a good start and ended up posting a competitive 282/7 on the board. Skipper Babar Azam top-scored with 74 and opener Abdullah Shafique contributed 58, while Iftikhar Ahmed smashed 40 in only 27 deliveries. For Afghanistan, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad starred with 3/49.

On paper, the chase looked like a stiff one for Afghanistan. However, they came out all guns blazing as their openers Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 63) added 130 runs in 21.1 overs.

Experienced batter Rahmat Shah (77* off 84) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48* off 45) also made significant contributions as Afghanistan cantered home by eight wickets to create history.

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The Indian hand in Afghanistan’s win

Interestingly, ahead of the 2023 World Cup, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) appointed former India batter Ajay Jadeja as their team mentor for the ICC event.

Jadeja was a key member of the Indian middle order in ODIs in the 1990s. He represented the Men in Blue in 196 one-dayers, scoring 5359 runs at an average of 37.47, with six hundreds and 30 fifties. Jadeja turned out for India in three one-day World Cups - 1992, 1996 and 1999.

During his playing days, Jadeja was renowned for his flamboyant style and shrewd batting skills, particularly at the death. He was also a brilliant fielder who pulled off some superb catches on the field.

Jadeja, however, did not taste as much success in the red-ball format. The 52-year-old played 15 Test matches, scoring 576 runs at an average of 26.18, with four fifties and a best of 96.

He featured in 111 first-class matches, scoring 8100 runs at an average of 54, with 20 hundreds and 40 fifties. Looking at his List A career, he scored 8304 runs in 291 games, averaging 37.91, with 11 hundreds and 48 fifties.

Jadeja was also a handy part-time medium pacer who claimed 20 scalps in ODIs, 54 in first-class cricket and 49 in his List A career.