Do Pakistani players perform only when they’re made captain?

[tiger_khan]

Just saw the last few balls of the first ODI

How come Shaheen Afridi while batting today, had his head down and even placed the balls on the off-side?

In the recent past when he was not captain of the team he was most of the times in a hurry to hit almost every ball towards the mid-wicket

Not the first Pak cricketer to have different levels of demonstrations of concentrations and diligence in games depending whether the player was captain or not

Another name that comes to mind is Inzimam ul Haq...

 

[hafizexpress]

Was surprised with his off drives. Bosche was even perfectly bowling full on off because nobody knows Afridi to be making those drives in a pressuring situation.

But no, they don't necessarily start performing as captain. I don't want to hear this esp after the recent Agha t20 atrocities.

 

[Rana]

Shahid Afridi was a different player when he was captain too.

I remember there was a stat going around at the time where apparently he averaged 40ish with the bat at number 6 and as captain.

Some players really do become a superior version of themselves when made skipper.

 

[sweep_shot]

Shahid Afridi was a different player when he was captain too.

I remember there was a stat going around at the time where apparently he averaged 40ish with the bat at number 6 and as captain.

Some players really do become a superior version of themselves when made skipper.

2 players did very well as captains --> Shahid Afridi and Daniel Vettori.

It is like captaincies brought the best out of them.

 

[BouncerGuy]

If these guys are underperforming, then it is the worst thing they can do. But they are taking responsibility now and trying to do the best, then fine...

You can never judge these things with 100% certainty.

 

[Varun]

Same with Shubman Gill.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

For any other country, when a player becomes captain they have usually justified it through solid performances and leadership. The captaincy is inevitable and often well receieved in the dressing room.

In recent times in Pakistani cricket the opposite happens. The captaincy becomes a moment where fans, pundits and probably players look at each other and say what the hell just happened. The decision is often political, and political winds can change quickly in Pakistan. Players therefore need to play out of their skins ( both in terms of cricketing skills, but also perform politically) to survive long term.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

2 players did very well as captains --> Shahid Afridi and Daniel Vettori.

It is like captaincies brought the best out of them.

Afridi assumed the LOI captaincy in a phase where his bowling was genuinley world class. He was probably the best LOI spinner in the world at that time, I think that gave him a lot of confidence to knuckle down as a captain and not try to do anything too extraordinary. He was actually one of our best LOI captains because he really inspired the team with his personal performances.

 

[TheSultan]

It’s a no-win situation,

If he plays an irresponsible shot - “aah look, how can we take him seriously as captain”

If he plays responsibly - “aah, what a politician, he never did that when he wasn’t captain”

 

[hassan918]

I don't think this is the case. Many players who were performing well as just a player couldn't play on the same level after they became the captain and after a few matches they lost their captaincy.

 

[BouncerGuy]

It’s a no-win situation,

If he plays an irresponsible shot - “aah look, how can we take him seriously as captain”

If he plays responsibly - “aah, what a politician, he never did that when he wasn’t captain”

Well said... Captaincy in Pakistan is a like to cross a sea on fire.

 

[tiger_khan]

Didn't start this thread to compliment the Pak players who are more focused on the game only when they are captains

Was attempting to highlight their self-centered approach towards Pak cricket

Why can't Pak players give their hundred percent when they are not captains?

 

[hassan918]

Didn't start this thread to compliment the Pak players who are more focused on the game only when they are captains

Was attempting to highlight their self-centered approach towards Pak cricket

Why can't Pak players give their hundred percent when they are not captains?

I don't think any player would under perform if he is not captain as it may lead him losing his place in the team.

 

[tiger_khan]

I don't think any player would under perform if he is not captain as it may lead him losing his place in the team.

I beg to differ

Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis didn't lose their spots in the team when they didn't come out to play against Australia in a game after an interval - they had a fight during the Australians touring Pakistan

TV commentators reluctantly said that they got injured


Those who care less when they are not captains are usually the strongest players on the team. They know their spot is safe.

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that they make Pak lose Games intentionally. What I mean is that they are less interested and focused.