Hopefully this is the turning point for Abdul Samad: Tom Moody

In Sunrisers Hyderabad’s last match against Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL 2023, youngster Abdul Samad wreaked havoc and pulled off a heist at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday, May 7. The visiting team needed five runs to win off the final delivery. Unfortunately, Samad failed to clear the ropes as Jos Buttler picked up an easy catch at long-off. However, the third umpire deemed it as a no-ball. The replay showed that pacer Sandeep Sharma had overstepped. With four required off the last delivery, Samad hit a cracking six to help SRH register their fourth win.

Former SRH head coach Tom Moody stated that it can be the turning point in Abdul Samad’s cricketing journey. Notably, the 21-year-old has not got enough opportunities in the ongoing season. His form was under the scanner as well. However, after his terrific cameo against RR, Moody mentioned that the player has enough confidence in him, and now the franchise needs to have some in him.

“What Abdul Samad has got as a young, emerging player is a rare ability to hit the ball out of the ground. He reminds me of a young Yusuf Pathan. He’s got that strength, power, and it’s a very hard role to play. I hope that it gives the management and the franchise confidence that they have got the right person because that is the hardest part. Forget about the player having confidence, you need the organisation – wherever you are – to have confidence in you, and I think if you look at his erratic selection over the last two years, I think that hopefully, this is the turning point for him,” Moody said while talking to ESPNcricinfo.