When Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad avoided food, sleep to watch MS Dhoni play

Mumbai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one such figure who is admired not only by cricket fans but also other players from around the globe. His followers could go to any extent to catch a glimpse of him and while he is batting, it is difficult to move from the edge of your seat.

Afghanistan’s Mohammad Shahzad is one of the many cricketers who adore the former Team India captain for his gameplay and even copies Dhoni’s famous ‘helicopter shot’. Known for his bulky figure, the wicket-keeper batsman claimed that eating and sleeping are his two priorities.

"I cannot avoid two things. First one is sleeping, I cannot sacrifice it at all and second one is food. These are two (dear) things which I cannot take a chance on," Shahzad was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

However, when Captain Cool is at the crease, Shahzad makes sure he stays glued to the television. The 30-year-old even recalled once such instance where he had to keep his priorities aside to watch Dhoni.

"There was a time when India were playing a final in the West Indies. Dhoni was batting at the end of innings and some 15 odd runs were required in the last over. It was Ramzan at that time as well. Around 3 to 4 minutes were left for Iftaar and food was in front of me. It is said at that time whatever is asked from Allah he grants us. Dhoni was unfit for a couple of games earlier and was only playing the final against Sri Lanka. 15 were needed of the last over. I prayed to Allah that India win this match and Dhoni finishes the match. So, I had prayed and delayed my food for a while then. So, I can delay sleep as well," he added.

The hard-hitting Afghan batsman had earlier revealed that she shares a good equation with Dhoni.

"I have played against India three-four times and after the match gets over, I have dropped in at Dhoni's room and chatted for hours. He usually asks me 'what's happening in Afghanistan' and at my home. We don't tend to talk a lot about wicket-keeping and batting, it is just regular stuff about life. His room is always open for a chat but yes, it is tough to reach him on his mobile number," Shahzad said to PTI.