Babar Azam should bench Shadab Khan against Australia, according to Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz: CWC 2023

Babar Azam should bench Shadab Khan against Australia

The ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup has been an enthralling tournament, with teams battling it out to secure a spot in the knockout stages. However, not all players have been able to live up to expectations, and one such player is Shadab Khan, the talented leg-spinner from Pakistan. Former cricketers Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz have expressed their concerns about Shadab’s recent performances and have suggested that he should be dropped for Pakistan’s upcoming match against Australia. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind their recommendations and explore whether it is the right decision for the team.

“Shadab is unquestionably a very excellent bowler, but he is having trouble. Even though he claimed four wickets against Sri Lanka in Lucknow on Monday, Adam Zampa struggled to place his leg-spin, but his sliders and googlies were placed correctly, according to Malik on A Sports.

Shadab Khan’s Struggles in the World Cup

Shadab Khan, known for his leg-spin bowling and handy batting skills, has been a vital player for Pakistan in limited-overs cricket. However, his performances in the ongoing World Cup have raised concerns among cricket experts. Shadab has been leaking runs at a high economy rate and has struggled to pick up wickets consistently. This has put pressure on Pakistan’s bowling attack and has affected the team’s overall performance.

Shoaib Malik’s Recommendation: Drop Shadab Khan

Shoaib Malik, a former Pakistan captain and a respected voice in the cricketing fraternity, has expressed his opinion about Shadab’s place in the playing XI. Malik believes that while Shadab is undoubtedly a talented bowler, he has been struggling in the World Cup. Malik points out that even Adam Zampa, the Australian leg-spinner, had difficulties landing his leg-spin deliveries in a recent match, but his sliders and googlies were effective. Malik suggests that Pakistan needs consistency from Shadab, as the team expects him to bowl ten overs, not just a few.

Wahab Riaz’s Take: Shadab and Nawaz Should Not Play Together

Wahab Riaz, a former Pakistan pacer, echoes Malik’s concerns about Shadab Khan. However, Riaz goes a step further and suggests that Shadab and Mohammad Nawaz should not play together in the team. Riaz emphasizes the need for wicket-taking bowlers, especially in the middle overs, when pacers may not be able to make early breakthroughs. He believes that Pakistan should consider bringing in Usama Mir, who can provide a different dimension to the bowling attack.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s Perspective: Consider Abrar Ahmad

Misbah-ul-Haq, the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, has weighed in on the discussion as well. He recommends considering Abrar Ahmad, the reserve player, for the playing XI. Misbah highlights Abrar’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and believes that he could be a valuable asset in the World Cup. He emphasizes the importance of having mystery bowlers who can surprise the opposition and take wickets consistently.

Finding the Right Balance in the Playing XI

The debate surrounding Shadab Khan’s inclusion in the team raises broader questions about the balance of Pakistan’s playing XI. While all-rounders have their advantages, it is crucial to identify the team’s strike bowlers and ensure that they are supported by effective bowling options. Pakistan needs a bowling unit that can take wickets consistently and put pressure on the opposition.

The Importance of Bowling in the Indian Conditions

The World Cup is being held in India, where pitches are generally batsman-friendly and high-scoring matches are common. In such conditions, it becomes even more critical for teams to have bowlers who can restrict the opposition and pick up wickets at crucial junctures. Pakistan needs to strategize and find ways to dismiss the opposition on these challenging batting surfaces.

The Way Forward: Making the Right Decision for the Team

As the Pakistan team management contemplates the decision regarding Shadab Khan’s inclusion in the playing XI, several factors need to be considered. The team’s bowling strategy, the pitch conditions, and the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses should all be taken into account. Ultimately, the goal is to select a team that can perform optimally and give Pakistan the best chance of winning the match against Australia.

Conclusion

The performance of Shadab Khan in the ongoing Cricket World Cup has come under scrutiny, and the recommendations made by former cricketers Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz to drop him have sparked a debate. The team management, led by Misbah-ul-Haq, must carefully assess the situation and make the right decision for the team’s success. Pakistan’s upcoming match against Australia will be a crucial test, and the selection of the playing XI will play a significant role in determining the outcome. As fans eagerly wait to see how the team shapes up, only time will tell if dropping Shadab Khan is the right move or if he will rise to the occasion and prove his critics wrong.