After a crucial victory against Islamabad United, Hyderabad Kings fast bowler Hunain Shah shared his thoughts in a post-match press conference, reflecting on his performance, preparation, and the team’s overall mindset. His remarks highlighted dedication, resilience, and strong belief in both personal effort and collective team strength.
Hunain Shah began by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and commitment in high-pressure matches. He stated that every player in the squad tries to give 100 percent in each game, and he personally followed the same approach.
According to him, sticking to his planned strategy and executing it under pressure was the key to his success in the match. He also expressed gratitude, attributing his performance to divine support and saying that he was honored by the outcome.
Talking about his journey leading up to the Pakistan Super League, Hunain revealed that the past six to seven months had been extremely challenging and full of hard work. He explained that his preparation was not sudden but part of a long-term target he had set for himself.
During this period, he faced an injury setback, which made the comeback phase even more difficult. However, instead of losing motivation, he focused on rehabilitation and training with greater determination, keeping the PSL as his ultimate goal.
He also acknowledged the role of senior players in his development, particularly Naseem Shah. Hunain credited him for providing valuable guidance during his difficult phase.
He explained that Naseem Shah helped him understand how to handle pressure situations and deal with challenges on the field. According to Hunain, this mentorship played a significant role in shaping his mindset, and he remains grateful for the support he received.
Reflecting on the final moments of the match, Hunain explained that when the responsibility came down to defending six runs, he avoided overthinking and kept things simple. He said there was no long discussion or complicated planning at that stage.
Instead, he trusted his instincts and belief in executing yorkers effectively. Based on that plan, he set his field accordingly and focused purely on delivering accurate balls. He emphasized that clarity of mind and confidence are crucial in such high-pressure situations.
He further mentioned that crowd support played an important role in boosting his confidence. According to him, the presence of fans in the stadium creates energy and motivation for players. He said that the encouragement from spectators helped him stay focused and perform with greater intensity. For him, playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd always brings additional motivation.
Hunain also spoke about the coaching staff, stating that they consistently advise players to maintain a clear and calm mindset regardless of match situations. He explained that the coaching philosophy focuses on mental stability and execution rather than overcomplicating strategies. Following this guidance, he ensured that he kept his mind free from pressure and concentrated solely on his bowling execution.
Looking ahead to the final, Hunain expressed confidence in the team’s abilities. He said the focus is on keeping things simple and sticking to basic strategies rather than complicating plans. According to him, every player in the squad is a match-winner, and the team’s strength lies in its collective performance. He added that if the team continues to perform in the same manner, they have a strong chance of achieving success in the final as well.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of consistency and teamwork, noting that the squad has been performing well and aims to maintain the same momentum. His comments reflected a player who not only values individual performance but also deeply understands the importance of unity, discipline, and mental strength in competitive cricket.