Shahidi, by far Afghanistan's best Test batter with two double hundreds and a healthy average of 48 plus, also spoke about how their nation needs to play more red ball games in the future.
The lofted strokes still carry the same thrill, but two days before his landmark 50th Test appearance, Rishabh Pant was seen embracing a different approach.
The 31-year-old wants to make sure that the new entrants feel comfortable in the set-up and wants them to pick his brains as and when they feel it is necessary.
The merger would effectively bring both Melbourne franchises under one banner, although several aspects of the transition are still being worked through.
The upcoming tour will break new ground for New Zealand Cricket, marking the highest number of men's international matches the country has staged against a single visiting side.
Sooryavanshi finished IPL 2026 with 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, winning the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player award and Emerging Player of the Season honour
