Ahmed Shehzad - time to recall him?

[Saj]

Ahmed Shehzad in this season's One-Day Cup: 11 71 102 56 43* 24 112* 166 & 68
Runs - 653
Average - 93.28
Strike Rate - 96.17

If form and consistency are the reasons for players to be selected then Ahmed has every reason to be a bit annoyed at not being selected for the ODI squad in Australia.

What do you reckon, time for him to be recalled?

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Well he's played well,but he needs to sort out his disciplinary issues.

I think there were one or two incidents in this tournament itself.

 

[JibranAnsari]

pretty great tournament for him. If he does well in pakistan cup as well recall him.


btw , whats the reason umar akmal didnt play the tournament?

 

[Rayyman]

Yes because we need a backup opener. I don't want to see 2 lefties opening together. Shezzy is young and good form. Also a great fielder. Just hope his discipline improves.

................................

 

[street cricketer]

I think so. He was fired for his poor discipline but also his poor strike rate and inconsistency. But if the performances in the one day tournament are anything to go by, he has improved very much and should definitely be given an another chance.

Surely if Sami Aslam and Azhar ali can play ODIs, he can play as well. In fact, I would give him a chance in test cricket as well if Sami's slump continues. He's definitely a talent (remember him scoring 10 or so tons in good time in his ODI career before it all went wrong) and shouldn't be wasted on account of poor discipline. If not now, calls for his return are going to become much stronger after Pakistan's ODI series against Australia.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

The only reason he has scored so high is Desi teams are not big on fielding.

Same Australia and New Zealand would have cramped up his singles and he would have invariably skied one up into the air after scoring 5 off 20 balls.

 

[Markhor]

What were the quality of bowling attacks he faced ?

At international level we've seen him struggle against quality seam/swing and struggle to rotate strike again spin. Unless those technical weaknesses are fixed then there should be no recall.

 

[Big Mac]

What were the quality of bowling attacks he faced ?

At international level we've seen him struggle against quality seam/swing and struggle to rotate strike again spin. Unless those technical weaknesses are fixed then there should be no recall.

tbf these are complaints you could level at the majority of Pakistani batsmen

 

[ExplicitAI]

Honestly I don't mind him back in the team if he's fully firing but I'm not too sure if he can cope with the high intensity fielding from teams like India, Aus, Eng, NZ and SA. Can he hit boundaries relentlessly and rotate the strike?

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Rubbish player who is bound to fail in international cricket

 

[Hitman]

Where is a certain 'cars112' who used to be his biggest fan, who used to claim that Shehzad was a million times more talented than Kohli .....

 

[Hawkeye]

Rubbish batsman with the same old flaws, cemented feet and ugly stance.

Will not survive for more than 10 overs against any top 6 side. Keep him out and we'll prosper. Invest in proper players who have ability.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

He is not likable at all. Come across as very arrogant to me. The way he talks etc.

He deserves to be recalled. These days you don't need that much quality to make it to the Pakistan team. Most of the players selected currently are rubbish as well.

 

[saeedhk]

An absolute garbage batsman. Hope I never see him in the Pakistani jersey again.

 

[street cricketer]

Rubbish batsman with the same old flaws, cemented feet and ugly stance.

Will not survive for more than 10 overs against any top 6 side. Keep him out and we'll prosper. Invest in proper players who have ability.

Don't let your personal grudges in way of a deserving recall for a player.

 

[hussain123]

He is better than sami aslam.

 

[Big Mac]

Where is a certain 'cars112' who used to be his biggest fan, who used to claim that Shehzad was a million times more talented than Kohli .....

It doesn't mean he's wrong, it's just another example that talent is nothing without hard work and discipline.

 

[Pete Rose]

Anyone who actually followed the tournament. If they can provide perspective on how he started his innings.
He is out of the team because he starts very very slowly and then tries to make up for it later in his image to close at a strike rate of 90. Good for personal milestones but not necessarily for the team.
I think Mickey and inzi should insist that whoever wants to be selected in the odi team as a batsman from now onwards should have a season of 45 average behind them at a strike rate of 110

 

[Pete Rose]

He is better than sami aslam.

As a human being? Or is there a specific measure

 

[Mamoon]

Will take him as a backup Test opener, nothing more than that.

 

[Hitman]

It doesn't mean he's wrong, it's just another example that talent is nothing without hard work and discipline.

So let's assume that Shehzad was equally or even more talented (as per 'cars112') than Kohli.

 

[Markhor]

He is better than sami aslam.

Shehzad couldn't dream of playing the innings that Sami Aslam did at Edgbaston and in Hamilton in overcast conditions.

Shehzad was struggling against Dhammika Prasad in Sri Lanka, who don't get me wrong is a good bowler, but it wouldn't have bode well for how he might have fared against Anderson, Broad, Woakes, Southee, Boult, Wagner etc.

Playing with hard hands outside off and zero foot movement as Shehzad so often does is asking for trouble.

 

[Big Mac]

So let's assume that Shehzad was equally or even more talented (as per 'cars112') than Kohli.

Can we all agree on the following statements?

Shezhad and Junior Akmal have a million times the talent and twitter poses of Kohli.

Kohli has a million times the level of hard work and discipline and will finish his career with more international runs than both of them combined.

This way everyone, including your buddy cars, is happy and we don't need to have silly arguments over something as nebulous as "talent" when the actual results are the only thing that should count.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

pretty great tournament for him. If he does well in pakistan cup as well recall him.


btw , whats the reason umar akmal didnt play the tournament?

Umar Akmal is not contracted with any department that's why. He plays for Lahore.

 

[hussain123]

As a human being? Or is there a specific measure

Lol.no i think both are very limited cricketers and like shehzad though i would like to be proven wrong i am afraid he may turnout another mediocre investment.shehzad is more experienced that is what makes him better.

 

[hussain123]

Shehzad couldn't dream of playing the innings that Sami Aslam did at Edgbaston and in Hamilton in overcast conditions.

Shehzad was struggling against Dhammika Prasad in Sri Lanka, who don't get me wrong is a good bowler, but it wouldn't have bode well for how he might have fared against Anderson, Broad, Woakes, Southee, Boult, Wagner etc.

Playing with hard hands outside off and zero foot movement as Shehzad so often does is asking for trouble.

He may turn out good afterall but i am judging him on his recent outings where he is showing little to no intent to score runs, with minimal footwork and has limited strokes in his arsenal.i haven't watched his england innings but with what you are saying he seems a good prospect then.

 

[Hawkeye]

Don't let your personal grudges in way of a deserving recall for a player.

Yeah, certainly deserving, more talented than Kohli and SRT ever were.

If you're a believer of this, recall him.

 

[GullyCricketFlop]

He's performed well.Should be in the reckoning once he solves his off-field issues.

 

[GullyCricketFlop]

He is better than sami aslam.

No he isn't.Khuda ka khof karo bhai.

Sami Aslam has his issues but he's better than Shehzad and Masood.

 

[Black Zero]

Guy scored 160+ and topped the chart by huge margin ... and still not picked...problem is definitely with selectors.

 

[Vivek_86]

Shehzad is too big for Pakistan Cricket. He is just preparing for PSL

 

[Anis10]

It all depends on Azhar Ali, if he plays well then Shehzad won't be picked anytime soon, if Azhar fails which seems rather likely then I think you go with Shehzad because what are the other options you have?

Shehzad competition was with Fakhar Zaman and Imam Ul Haq, ironically they all played on the same team, from which Shehzad out performed them, so if Azhar fails then you go with Shehzad.

Btw I think even if Sharjeel fails they will still give him another series.

 

[Syed1]

I would take these numbers with a bucket of salt. The quality of bowlers in our domestics is no where close to international standard. Also the level of captaincy and fielding is utterly atrocious. An international level captain will easily plug the one or two scoring shots that Shehzad has and then all he would be left to do is tuk the ball.

He is a nothing player and even if he is brought back tomorrow he would fail like he has always done. Plus add to that his MASSIVE ego and HUGE disciplinary problems. If I were Inzi I wouldn't touch Shehzad with a ten foot pole.

Let him score runs in domestics and PSL. That's the extent of his level.

 

[Black Zero]

I would take these numbers with a bucket of salt. The quality of bowlers in our domestics is no where close to international standard. Also the level of captaincy and fielding is utterly atrocious. An international level captain will easily plug the one or two scoring shots that Shehzad has and then all he would be left to do is tuk the ball.

He is a nothing player and even if he is brought back tomorrow he would fail like he has always done. Plus add to that his MASSIVE ego and HUGE disciplinary problems. If I were Inzi I wouldn't touch Shehzad with a ten foot pole.

Let him score runs in domestics and PSL. That's the extent of his level.

You said that bowlers in domestic are not good enough and you consider his numbers worthless, still you de and him to score in domestics. Rip logic.

Anyway, same domestic bowlers for every batsman, then why no one else even close to his numbers?

 

[MMHS]

This is really surprising for Ahmed - this is probably 5th or 6th domestic LO tournament he has done exceptionally well - BPL, BPL, Pentangular List A, PSL, Corporate List A & another tournament I forgot; besides can't recall the CPL, but probably not that bad. In same period, he has been a failure on the field as player in Internationals & off the field on disciplinary grounds. I understand that the standard of the teams, quality of cricket & Captaincy isn't that high in those tournaments, but still, in a low scoring tournament scoring over 650 runs in 3 weeks at almost run a ball must be praise worthy. And, he probably got a marginal LBW going against him as well (of MoHa).

If players has performance & disciplinary issues, they'll get dropped - after that only thing they can do is play cricket & score lots or runs. He went to BPL, hence wasn't considered for ANZ Test tours, which is fine; he wasn't considered for AUS ODI, still it's fine because current selected players are part of a 4-0 run in ODI; it'll be fine as well if PAK returns with acceptable results from AUS ODI (To me, acceptable is something that increases or at least keeps your ranking point - in this case 2-3 defeat). BUT, if PAK returns with even ENG like result (4-1, that 1 being a dead rubber), Inzi'll have to give better reasons than performance or discipline not to consider him for WI.

In previous Inzi regime (when he was Captain), one thing I hated is the shameless grouping of players that kept them in team regardless of results/performances. Inzi era started with a bang - 1-1 Test series in IND, 4-2 ODI Series as well, WSC final against Aussies, a win against IND in CT 2004 .... but gradually it faded away, because Inzi never allowed new players to replace "his players", for whatever performance. It eventually went to such a level that almost entire PAK Team followed him after he retired to ICL, risking their PAK Cap for good - I don't want to those days back.

Selectors/Management should try to accommodate & reward a performing player; rather than try to find excuses to deprive him - fans as well. Grouping & lobbying starts from when players start to believe that it's the best way to be in the team & stick there. PAK team is 8th in ODI ranking & half of the squad doesn't merit unanimous selection, including Captain, who actually holding one of the spots that Ahmad is specialist, & he is 10 years younger than KAkmal.

 

[hadi123]

He has done well. I don't think he's amazing but he is a good fielder and gives 110% for the team and is willing to give his all for his country. Carry on his good form and maybe he deserves a chance v WI

 

[Hamza_]

This is really surprising for Ahmed - this is probably 5th or 6th domestic LO tournament he has done exceptionally well - BPL, BPL, Pentangular List A, PSL, Corporate List A & another tournament I forgot; besides can't recall the CPL, but probably not that bad. In same period, he has been a failure on the field as player in Internationals & off the field on disciplinary grounds. I understand that the standard of the teams, quality of cricket & Captaincy isn't that high in those tournaments, but still, in a low scoring tournament scoring over 650 runs in 3 weeks at almost run a ball must be praise worthy. And, he probably got a marginal LBW going against him as well (of MoHa).

If players has performance & disciplinary issues, they'll get dropped - after that only thing they can do is play cricket & score lots or runs. He went to BPL, hence wasn't considered for ANZ Test tours, which is fine; he wasn't considered for AUS ODI, still it's fine because current selected players are part of a 4-0 run in ODI; it'll be fine as well if PAK returns with acceptable results from AUS ODI (To me, acceptable is something that increases or at least keeps your ranking point - in this case 2-3 defeat). BUT, if PAK returns with even ENG like result (4-1, that 1 being a dead rubber), Inzi'll have to give better reasons than performance or discipline not to consider him for WI.

In previous Inzi regime (when he was Captain), one thing I hated is the shameless grouping of players that kept them in team regardless of results/performances. Inzi era started with a bang - 1-1 Test series in IND, 4-2 ODI Series as well, WSC final against Aussies, a win against IND in CT 2004 .... but gradually it faded away, because Inzi never allowed new players to replace "his players", for whatever performance. It eventually went to such a level that almost entire PAK Team followed him after he retired to ICL, risking their PAK Cap for good - I don't want to those days back.

Selectors/Management should try to accommodate & reward a performing player; rather than try to find excuses to deprive him - fans as well. Grouping & lobbying starts from when players start to believe that it's the best way to be in the team & stick there. PAK team is 8th in ODI ranking & half of the squad doesn't merit unanimous selection, including Captain, who actually holding one of the spots that Ahmad is specialist, & he is 10 years younger than KAkmal.

He was highest scorer in Last year List A Pakistan Cup as well.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

You said that bowlers in domestic are not good enough and you consider his numbers worthless, still you de and him to score in domestics. Rip logic.

Anyway, same domestic bowlers for every batsman, then why no one else even close to his numbers?

This was a departmental cup. A lot of players are missing.

 

[Boi]

I really don't get how people can ask for Azhar Ali to be dropped from the ODI side when the alternative is a clearly inferior version of him along with a stinking attitude. This guy averages 34 at a SR of 72 fgs. He's a proven failure yet there are so many calls for his recall building up. There is no proof from any of his innings in this tournament that he has improved his strike rotation which is the biggest cause of his failure at the highest level. No proof of an improvement in his attitude either after that response to the umpiring decision earlier in the tournament.

 

[moghul]

Players who have shown success at international level, like Shehzad, if dropped due to drop in form for a period of time, should be recalled back right away when they show good form at domestic level.

Shehzad is young, has been a free scoring batsman in all format for Pakistan until recently, no reason not recall him back now. Selectors have to keep their ego in check.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

It doesn't mean he's wrong, it's just another example that talent is nothing without hard work and discipline.

My academic failure and then redemption taught me that talent, intelligence is nothing without hard-working and determination, and this is something these guys need to learn!

 

[SARJ_BD]

Lets take Shehzad on bench. After Azhar and Sharjell, I see Shehzad as the best option.
Strengthening bench plays vital role in bringing competition in the tean, resulting more effort from players to be in starting XI

 

[proud_pakistani]

The fact that our players do well in domestics but can not replicate that in the international arena really showcases the flawed system in place. Its really tough for selectors, on one hand they drop players based on their international performances, but then get picked again based on domestics and it is a merry go round of sorts.

Any how as far as Shehzad is concerned he should never have been dropped in Test matches. He had scored a 100 when he was dropped which was unfair.

As for ODIs, he is not the answer. I would rather pick Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal to open. Kami has been in good form and in ODIs we need free flowing players for the format.

 

[Mamoon]

We should respect the fact that he is performing. That is the only thing you can do to help you case when you are out of favor.

 

[static]

Recall him or don't, doesn't matter. We'll lose anyways.

 

[Hitman]

Can we all agree on the following statements?

Shezhad and Junior Akmal have a million times the talent and twitter poses of Kohli.

Kohli has a million times the level of hard work and discipline and will finish his career with more international runs than both of them combined.

This way everyone, including your buddy cars, is happy and we don't need to have silly arguments over something as nebulous as "talent" when the actual results are the only thing that should count.

You really think those two are more naturally talented than Kohli? Seriously?

 

[shortbread]

WHY SHEZAD WILL FAIL IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET :-

1) He cannot rotate strike ***!! In flat tracks where poor balls sit up and are asked to be hit, boundary shots save a batsman and his limitations arent exposed. Put shezad on a challenging wicket against a half decent new ball attack he looks like fish out of water. He struggles to score and cannot rotate strike.

People who have seen him and Azhar Ali open know what a sad sight this is.

Shezad is then at the mercy of the bowler who starts to set him up.

This then leads to Reason 2

2) Shezad plays loose away from his body!! Now the desperate shezad on a strile rate of 10 or 20 wants to cut loose because is ego is hurt. His limitations are exposed to everyone, remember in shezads brains he is Bradman's second coming. He starts to play loose outside of, will end up with a nick or get caught in the circle.

He gets dropped and then we start all over again!!

Sami is everything shezad isnt. Compact, resilient and a realist. He's given nowhere near the chances hezad, akmals etc have had. They threw him in the deep end and he came out victorious. A couple of unlucky dismissals and they want to drop him for a tool like shezad.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

WHY SHEZAD WILL FAIL IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET :-

1) He cannot rotate strike ***!! In flat tracks where poor balls sit up and are asked to be hit, boundary shots save a batsman and his limitations arent exposed. Put shezad on a challenging wicket against a half decent new ball attack he looks like fish out of water. He struggles to score and cannot rotate strike.

People who have seen him and Azhar Ali open know what a sad sight this is.

Shezad is then at the mercy of the bowler who starts to set him up.

This then leads to Reason 2

2) Shezad plays loose away from his body!! Now the desperate shezad on a strile rate of 10 or 20 wants to cut loose because is ego is hurt. His limitations are exposed to everyone, remember in shezads brains he is Bradman's second coming. He starts to play loose outside of, will end up with a nick or get caught in the circle.

He gets dropped and then we start all over again!!

Sami is everything shezad isnt. Compact, resilient and a realist. He's given nowhere near the chances hezad, akmals etc have had. They threw him in the deep end and he came out victorious. A couple of unlucky dismissals and they want to drop him for a tool like shezad.

Agree with everything except the unlucky dismissals part(for Sami).

 

[KaSaNoVa_G]

Ahmed Shehzad; Would you like to see him back?

What's your opion on him? Would you like to see him back in the team soon? I'm hoping he gets picked in the T20 team and ODI in the near future. He has a bad attitude at times but if he fixes that he is a great player. By the age of 25 scoring 10+ centuries for your country shows you must be good.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

Azhar is already a better opner than Shehzad and I don't think Azhar belongs to odi

 

[sarmad1983]

He's in top form and has age on his side. if he has fixed his attitude and wants to put in the hard work; id rather have him over ttf like kakmals and butts.

 

[sa]

What's your opion on him? Would you like to see him back in the team soon? I'm hoping he gets picked in the T20 team and ODI in the near future. He has a bad attitude at times but if he fixes that he is a great player. By the age of 25 scoring 10+ centuries for your country shows you must be good.

Here we go again. Now we want to bring back old people again. He is not really an impact player. Need new youngster, give them couple of series if they can't perform .. kick them out and bring more new youngster. Pakistan need new blood who can score quickly and be able to field well too. Average of 40s dont mean anything anymore. It has been over 50+ with a strike rate of around 100.

 

[KaSaNoVa_G]

Here we go again. Now we want to bring back old people again. He is not really an impact player. Need new youngster, give them couple of series if they can't perform .. kick them out and bring more new youngster. Pakistan need new blood who can score quickly and be able to field well too. Average of 40s dont mean anything anymore. It has been over 50+ with a strike rate of around 100.

I agree averages should be about 50 with bat in ODI but with Pakistan for aslong as I can remember having a avaerge of around 35 is good. Having a average of 40 is nearly excellent. Why becuase we don't have class ODI batsman and ain't had any since inzi and Mohammad yousuf.

And what you mean bring back old people again? The guy ain't 36 he is 24 or 25 ? Like it or not I rather we tried about bought someone back in his 20s instead of his 30s.

I ain't a super fan of his. Just saying rather try with younger players then say bringing back players in mid 30s.

 

[A.A.Z]

He will be brought back in the limited overs team after Azhar is dropped from the odi team. His game has regressed, he was a quality player when he was younger but still one of the best bats in Pakistan domestic cricket (List A).

 

[Syed1]

I'd much rather see someone like Fakhar Zaman given a go. We know what we are going to get with Shehzad, maybe Fakhar will be an upgrade over him.

 

[cricketInsight]

No Shehzad please until his strike rate improves significantly.

 

[Ankit007]

Shahzad, Sarfaraz and azhar should replace shafiq, Umar and rizwan from today's lineup. Bowling is fine

 

[Boi]

No.

I wouldn't mind if they tried something out of the box and played him as a late order slogger/finisher though where his ugly leg side hoicks might be more useful. As far as opening, he's had enough chances and his record sucks.

 

[Jabo]

He cant rotate the strike

We need an opener

But Shehzad isn't the answer, he's another version of Azhar

 

[marlonbrowndo]

No need. Sharjeel, Haris, Umar and Babar should be or top 4. Shehzad is just like Azhar. Will kill all the momentum when the innings starts. Azhar is a quality Test opener though

 

[zn426]

Has his shot options improved? What about his discipline?

If Shehzad has improved those two areas I could see it. But if not, then I will cite my own personal experience.

I watched him bat in the CPL last year in Florida. What does it say that a USA Player was outperforming both him and Malik with the bat? That's right, an associate level player.

Not only that, his fitness was visibly worse than other international players. I was able to watch Chris Lynn of Australia field (this, before he had received an international cap), and I watched Shehzad field. Lynn was far more fit, he was almost inhumane with his running speed at long on. Shehzad? Oh, he was alright, but nowhere near close to Lynn. What does that say about Shehzad as a player? Not impressed at all.

 

[Abdullah]

we need another tullay baaz opener to partner sharjeel. sod the singles. just aim for 2 boundaries an over.
right hander would compliment sharjeel well as it would be harder for bowlers.
shehzad is not the answer

 

[Hasan123]

He has issues rotating strike so no he shouldn't be.

 

[todfod 11]

let him b consistent first.. one tourny is not enough...

 

[Anis10]

We don't really have any other opitions, so why not he did perform well during this domestic season

 

[moghul]

I wish people keep their persona bias/grudge aside and give their opinion solely based on merit . I don't care about his twitter and statements but I know after dropping him we did not find any better replacement and he is in red hot form and deserves a recall to national side.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

I wish people keep their persona bias/grudge aside and give their opinion solely based on merit . I don't care about his twitter and statements but I know after dropping him we did not find any better replacement and he is in red hot form and deserves a recall to national side.

Better replacement? What did he offer exactly that the current openers don't offer?

 

[Abdullah719]

Better replacement? What did he offer exactly that the current openers don't offer?

A strike-rate of 72?

 

[Speedster777]

He's better than Umar Akmal for sure.

 

[Slog]

Why try to fix a problem with a player who is the pioneer of the problem?

 

[moghul]

Better replacement? What did he offer exactly that the current openers don't offer?

Runs

 

[moghul]

A strike-rate of 72?

Sarfaraz , when first played for Pakistan , was a terrible batsman with low SR, on his comeback, had improved his SR remarkably. Why not Shehzad can be tried again after he has shown great form in domestic T20 and LO wih much better SR.

 

[Speedster777]

We need a specialist opener. Shehzad, Salman Butt, or Fakhar Zaman should be given a chance. I would have them over Hafeez/ Azhar anyday.

 

[R1ddlR]

We need a specialist opener. Shehzad, Salman Butt, or Fakhar Zaman should be given a chance. I would have them over Hafeez/ Azhar anyday.

Imagine Fakhar and Sharjeel together, we would either be 2/0 off 2 overs or 100/0 off 5 Overs.

 

[Hitman]

Look, I'm an Indian fan. But I'm still compelled to ask this. Why would any sane Pak fan want this talentless hack in their team? Don't take it as an insult, our team too has produced lots and lots of talentless hacks. Seeing this guy bat for so long it's extremely obvious that he lacks the talent to succeed in International cricket. Add to that his ego, which may as well be above that of Kevin Pietersen.

 

[Indiafan]

Runs

both Ali and sharjeel offer that

 

[Asim2Good]

all the talks on side
PSL season 2 ll decided which opener ll make his way into ODI team.
just like last year, it opened doors for Sharjeel last year.

pl ll b able see as well, which opener is good for team with good strike rate and rotation of strike and not just based on stats

 

[Statsman]

Imagine Fakhar and Sharjeel together, we would either be 2/0 off 2 overs or 100/0 off 5 Overs.

100/0 off 5 overs isn't a joke.

 

[Tabishbeigh]

If people are trying to say that Ahmad Shahzad is the best opener in Pakistan , then i must say either you people are too timid or there is no talent left in Pakistan. Seriously guys , this Guy isnt even a FTB. And why would you want a distraction like him in team.

 

[Hitman]

What baffles me is how some former players hyped him so much before his debut (Abdul Qadir, Abdur Razzak rating him more talented than Sachin). I mean when you hype someone so much, you obviously expect that player to be really talented. After all why would ex players rate a player so high if he's so mediocre. If I were a Pak fan I would never, ever want him in my team in format of the game.