IPL 2021: I see shades of Saeed Anwar in Moeen Ali’s batting – Ashish Nehra

Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra has stated that he sees shades of Saeed Anwar in Moeen Ali’s batting. Former Pakistan opening batsman Saeed Anwar was well known for his flair and he was always a consistent performer for his team in both the formats of the game.

On the other hand, Moeen Ali was given the onus to bat at number three in IPL 2021 by Chennai Super Kings management and he was able to grab the opportunity with both hands. Ali was able to hit the ground running on most occasions and gave the much-needed impetus to Chennai’s innings.

The left-hander scored 206 runs in six matches at an average of 34.33 and an impressive strike rate of 157.25. Ali batted with an fearless approach at number three and he was able to deliver the goods with the bat. Furthermore, the off-spinner scalped five wickets in six matches of IPL 2021 at an impressive average of 14.80 and an economy rate of 6.16.

Meanwhile, the England southpaw scored a fine knock of 58 runs off just 36 balls in the previous match against Mumbai Indians but his innings went in vain as CSK lost by four wickets after Kieron Pollard smashed 87 runs from 34 balls.

“Moeen [Ali] is a very chilled out and relaxed person. I see shades of Saeed Anwar in his batting. He never seems under pressure. He is a utility player and MS Dhoni is utilising him really well,” Nehra told Cricbuzz. 

“Before today, he was only scoring 30 or 40 runs but now he has crossed that. If a player like Moeen Ali, who can contribute with both bat and ball, provides you with 40-45 runs after every three or four matches; then things will work out in your favour,” he added.

Meanwhile, the IPL 2021 has been suspended indefinitely by the BCCI after a surge in Covid-19 cases. KKR players – Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakravarthy – were tested positive on Monday along with CSK bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji. Moreover, DC’s spinner Amit Mishra and SRH’s wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha were tested positive on Tuesday.