Ghazanfar's belief finds its proof

In an interview to Ariana Television Network a year ago, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar was asked about his spinning abilities and comparisons with veteran Mohammad Nabi. Ghazanfar, then still in his teens, declared himself as being a better bowler than his senior compatriot.

The comments reportedly did not go down well with some, as Nabi is one of the most revered figures in Afghanistan.

"Many people did not appreciate his comments and criticised him for rating himself better than Nabi," revealed Ahmad Farhad, an Afghan cricket expert. "For some others, however, the comments reflected the confidence of a youngster in his abilities. What more can I say about him?" Farhad told Cricbuzz.

Ghazanfar is not a cocky 20-year-old who is irreverent towards seniors. On the eve of the Mumbai Indians game against Delhi Capitals, he visited Shapoor Zadran, who is convalescing in a Delhi hospital.

"Wishing a speedy recovery to the national hero Shapur Zadran… I am here looking at opportunities to provide standard healthcare to him. (I) talked to the (MI) management about the treatment," he wrote on social media.

Whether or not Ghazanfar is better than Nabi, he has certainly proved his worth at Mumbai Indians. In five games, he has overtaken the veteran Afghan spinner. He has claimed eight wickets, while Nabi managed just two in seven matches.

Ghazanfar has been the most successful MI bowler at the midway stage of the IPL, underlined by his 2/25 against Chennai Super Kings. The effort went in vain as MI's batsmen faltered in their chase of 208.

One of Ghazanfar's four overs was in the Powerplay against Ruturaj Gaikwad. He conceded just six runs while dismissing the CSK captain. He kept the batsmen on a tight leash with an economy rate of 6.25 – commendable considering Mitchell Santner returned an economy rate of 11.

"I thought Allah bowled well. He's young and proven to be quite mature for his age. He's bowling in the Powerplay, and the more games he plays, the better he will do," said MI coach Mahela Jayawardene.

Referring to him as "Allah Ghazanfar" is apparently not appropriate; it must be Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. He is predominantly an off-spinner but can qualify as a mystery spinner, possessing an extensive range of variations including leg-spin, googly, carrom ball and quicker delivery.

Ghazanfar is regarded as a prodigy in Afghanistan, becoming the third-youngest to take a six-for in an ODI – a record bettered only by Rashid Khan and Waqar Younis. He has been working to strengthen his fingers for a wider range of variations, doing different finger-strengthening exercises and working with hot sand.

A prolific wicket-taker in domestic cricket, Ghazanfar topped the bowling charts in the Shpageeza Cricket League for Band-e-Amir Dragons under captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.

Mumbai Indians bought him for Rs 4.8 crore ahead of the 2025 season, but he could not feature last year due to injury. This season, he has emerged as the most successful bowler in a side boasting some of the best in world cricket.