Given Misbah's emphasis on fitness, would he ever call-up a player like Inzamam for selection?

[tyron_woodley]

According to Misbah, fitness is a prerequsite. you need to be at a certain level of fitness to get selected for your national team. That's a very good system indeed. Virat the Indian captain has managed to implement such a system and it has worked wonders however certain players obviously get a free pass due to their connections etc and there is nothing virat can do about it.

Misbah is known for being extremely fit with incredible stamina. Watch his training routine. The dude can still run 10 miles without breaking a sweat.

I totally understand how important fitness is. I advocate the idea of implementing fitness as a prerequsite to get picked but not at the expense of losing a world class player.

Would Misbah really be able to reject a player of inzamam ul haq's calibre?

Not saying there are inzis at the moment in the local setup in pakistan. He is an legend. howver, take a guy like sharjeel who has phenomenal stats in the national setup yet he was rejected due to his poor fitness levels.

So do you guys really think Misbah would actually reject someone of inzi's calibre or say Babar purely due to their poor fitness level? Is that fair?

 

[Slog]

If the player is serious about his cricket and career then he won’t give Misbah that opportunity by having the fitness and physique of inzamam ul haq. If the said player has such a physique then he isn’t showing the effort and hard work required for a successful career.

Inzamam started his career over 30 years ago. The standards and requirements back in the time were very different from what is today. Inzamam’s physique was a product of his time. And so the hypothetical batsman you talk about should also be a product of the current time where fitness is important.

 

[tyron_woodley]

If the player is serious about his cricket and career then he won’t give Misbah that opportunity by having the fitness and physique of inzamam ul haq. If the said player has such a physique then he isn’t showing the effort and hard work required for a successful career.

Inzamam started his career over 30 years ago. The standards and requirements back in the time were very different from what is today. Inzamam’s physique was a product of his time. And so the hypothetical batsman you talk about should also be a product of the current time where fitness is important.

Why is sharjeel Khan rejected then?

 

[anonymous_guy]

Why is sharjeel Khan rejected then?

You have to be delusional to compare a living legend to a convicted fixer, only because their physique is comparable.

 

[Slog]

Why is sharjeel Khan rejected then?

Huh? If he’s rejected that kinda proves my point doesn’t it.

 

[tyron_woodley]

You have to be delusional to compare a living legend to a convicted fixer, only because their physique is comparable.

No not at all. Honestly only babar can match inzi. that's not what I meant.

sharjeel's record is phenomenal in the national league in T20 and odi.

Why isn't he given a fair go?

 

[tyron_woodley]

Huh? If he’s rejected that kinda proves my point doesn’t it.

That's what I am saying. So you would reject a player despite him having the best stats in the shorter format purely because he doesn't pass the fitness test?

 

[Varun]

Inzamam was a player who came through the ranks in the 1980s.

If Pakistan cricket has progressed in step with the rest of the world, such a player should not come into prominence through the 2010s.

 

[viveks]

If the player is serious about his cricket and career then he won’t give Misbah that opportunity by having the fitness and physique of inzamam ul haq. If the said player has such a physique then he isn’t showing the effort and hard work required for a successful career.

Inzamam started his career over 30 years ago. The standards and requirements back in the time were very different from what is today. Inzamam’s physique was a product of his time. And so the hypothetical batsman you talk about should also be a product of the current time where fitness is important.

well put

 

[Pakhs]

Inzamam was a player who came through the ranks in the 1980s.

If Pakistan cricket has progressed in step with the rest of the world, such a player should not come into prominence through the 2010s.

This is exactly right I dont believe in obsessive fitness requirements in cricket as cricket is largely skill sports. But however lets not compare players from 1980/90s to know. Inzamam was so talented he would have made a name for himself even now and he was so serious about his cricket he would have kept himself in shape according to times.

 

[tyron_woodley]

This is exactly right I dont believe in obsessive fitness requirements in cricket as cricket is largely skill sports. But however lets not compare players from 1980/90s to know. Inzamam was so talented he would have made a name for himself even now and he was so serious about his cricket he would have kept himself in shape according to times.

Not necessarily. Many desis are just not willing to put the curry down. I am not sure if many would change as we still see quite a few unfit players from Asia. It has changed alot definitely but some players still get away with poor fitness levels due to political connections.

 

[topspin]

Depends if Misbah is happy to see the Tableeghi lot invading the dressing room because you know what you're gonna get with Inzamam.

 

[Pakhs]

Not necessarily. Many desis are just not willing to put the curry down. I am not sure if many would change as we still see quite a few unfit players from Asia. It has changed alot definitely but some players still get away with poor fitness levels due to political connections.

There are very few in general who are unfit you have to consider most below 25 players would be extremely fit just by training and playing as that's peak time. There are odd few who are genetically disadvantaged like kohli who used to look over weight when he first started but quickly started putting in hard yards to cover for it. But most players below 25 dont would be fit like hafeez for example.

 

[RyanRyan10]

It depends on age

Misbah would have rejected Inzi if he was in 20s

But if Inzi was 34 or above then Misbah would have picked him

 

[tyron_woodley]

There are very few in general who are unfit you have to consider most below 25 players would be extremely fit just by training and playing as that's peak time. There are odd few who are genetically disadvantaged like kohli who used to look over weight when he first started but quickly started putting in hard yards to cover for it. But most players below 25 dont would be fit like hafeez for example.

There are different opinion about fitness levels.

you need to be fit for your sport. sport specific training is crucial.

Size and strength speed, Stamin!, Power agility etc come after.

Not all under 25 players are fit. they are always lacking in some aspect. There are many poor athletes in cricket. It has definitely improved but there is still a long way to go.

 

[Rana]

This question is nonsensical

Inzimam was selected by Imran khan/ Pakistan at the age of 18 when he was fit and Athletic. He then made a huge name for himself by playing exceptional knocks at the highest level. Established himself in the middle order as a world class bat. He slowly started to let loose with fitness, but he still remained an integral part of Pakistan’s team with a Batting Average hovering around the 50 mark in Tests and 40 in ODIs, which is world class.

Yes, if The big Inzi of 1996 onwards just broke on to the scene, impressing at FC level and was knocking on the door for International selection, you would get people like Rameez Raja saying how unimpressed they are with his fitness

 

[Hasan123]

Inzi was an extremely talented batsmen. He would have played for Pakistan in this era without a doubt. If he had the same attitude to fitness and diet if he played now he would have not lived up to expectations like he did in his actual career.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Inzi was an extremely talented batsmen. He would have played for Pakistan in this era without a doubt. If he had the same attitude to fitness and diet if he played now he would have not lived up to expectations like he did in his actual career.

Are you saying that his physique actually helped him perform the way he did ?

Or are you saying he would have changed his attitude to train seriously in the modern era and combine it with his natural talent to be an even better legend than he was in his actual career.

 

[Hasan123]

Are you saying that his physique actually helped him perform the way he did ?

Or are you saying he would have changed his attitude to train seriously in the modern era and combine it with his natural talent to be an even better legend than he was in his actual career.

He would have played for Pakistan in this era as he is a very good batsmen and Pakistan do not have many good batters.

I am saying his attitude towards fitness meant he under achieved in his career.

 

[Savak]

Inzi's lack of fitness is a myth. Don't be fooled by his frame. He was an excellent runner between the wickets and his strike rotation was legendary. He could also bat for long time periods and could adjust his game depending on the format, match situation.

The one time he lost oodles of weight, he had a shocker 2003 ODI WC. His high number of run outs was more because of poor communication with his batting partner rather than anything else. Had Inzi been available today, he would play purely on the basis of his batting.

Let's also not forget Inzi was also an excellent slip fielder and had a bullet like powerful throw from the boundary line.

My only complaint against him was his lack of Kohli like ambition in terms of personal milestones and team goals. He was content to treat the game of cricket like a 9-5 job.

 

[Zaz]

Inzy was a product of his time He could get away with it then but not now

The sport has moved on since then Its a lot fitter and faster

These days inzy would suffer like everyone else if he was carrying an extra 10-15 kgs

 

[shamaan]

If the player is serious about his cricket and career then he won’t give Misbah that opportunity by having the fitness and physique of inzamam ul haq. If the said player has such a physique then he isn’t showing the effort and hard work required for a successful career.

Inzamam started his career over 30 years ago. The standards and requirements back in the time were very different from what is today. Inzamam’s physique was a product of his time. And so the hypothetical batsman you talk about should also be a product of the current time where fitness is important.

I think everyone should be given a fitness test if they are good enough if they pass it then should be allowed to play for pakistan even if they look fat also india required fitness level is below Pakistan has sharjeel been given a fitness test

 

[shamaan]

If the player is serious about his cricket and career then he won’t give Misbah that opportunity by having the fitness and physique of inzamam ul haq. If the said player has such a physique then he isn’t showing the effort and hard work required for a successful career.

Inzamam started his career over 30 years ago. The standards and requirements back in the time were very different from what is today. Inzamam’s physique was a product of his time. And so the hypothetical batsman you talk about should also be a product of the current time where fitness is important.

Why are the likes of imad waim and yasir shah not be punished if your going to have a rule make sure the rule is followed.what if shadab khan becomes unfit would he stil be allowed to play or would he be dropped?

 

[Greenstorm]

Misbah's emphasis on fitness is all drama. He himself selected Sharjeel for Pakistan for IU when he had similar fitness level. Umar Akmal was recalled against Srilanka last year by Misbah and he was in horrible shape then. Harris Sohail is another one with below par fitness but keeps getting selected.

 

[shamaan]

Misbah's emphasis on fitness is all drama. He himself selected Sharjeel for Pakistan for IU when he had similar fitness level. Umar Akmal was recalled against Srilanka last year by Misbah and he was in horrible shape then. Harris Sohail is another one with below par fitness but keeps getting selected.

Very good points espically the point regarding IU and sharjeel

 

[Kroll]

It depends on age

Misbah would have rejected Inzi if he was in 20s

But if Inzi was 34 or above then Misbah would have picked him

So true.

 

[hitthestump]

Inzi was not only a brilliant batsman but he was also a leader. He had stature and incredible confidence. This was probably gained from being around brilliant players during his era and being backed by Imran, so I do consider that he might have a different personality today if he was a 21 year old kid mentored by Misbah instead.

But if we had that Inzamam in the domestic circuit today, not only would he be picked he would also be captain in all formats. No question about it.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Misbah's emphasis on fitness is all drama. He himself selected Sharjeel for Pakistan for IU when he had similar fitness level. Umar Akmal was recalled against Srilanka last year by Misbah and he was in horrible shape then. Harris Sohail is another one with below par fitness but keeps getting selected.

I forgot about this. Maybe Harris has good connections?

Politics runs in desi community. It's sad.

 

[Kroll]

Who's Misbah to talk?

He's unfit to select and coach Pakistan cricket teams.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Who's Misbah to talk?

He's unfit to select and coach Pakistan cricket teams.

How is he unfit to select?
What U mean who is Misbah?

Misbah is a Pakistani legend.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Inzimam being made synonymous with unfitness is an assumption of great stupidity.
Inzi was quite fit and had great stamina. He was a quick and sharp fielder in the slips who caught some great catches.
Inzi was a very fast runner between the wickets - And this is what fools don’t understand.
The problem with Inzi was that he was a bad JUDGE of a single or double. He hardly ever got a run out because he ran slow or took longer to turn around for second - he almost always got a run out because the run was never there.

An example of an unfit player in my opinion would be someone like Harris Sohail who, I remember seeing a couple of years ago, needing to take a water/short rest break at every single/double after scoring a 50 in a test match.
Soon as he reached his crease he would go down in a squat position trying to catch his breath. I mean, this was a specialist TEST batsman in his 20’s.

Inzi in his prime, on the other hand, would score double centuries and would still play like an unleashed beast.

Once and for all - drill this in your brain, Inzi was not unfit and Inzi was not slow runner - Inzi was a bad JUDGE of single or doubles. He almost always tried and got run out when the run was never there. It has hardly got anything to do with physical fitness.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Inzimam being made synonymous with unfitness is an assumption of great stupidity.
Inzi was quite fit and had great stamina. He was a quick and sharp fielder in the slips who caught some great catches.
Inzi was a very fast runner between the wickets - And this is what fools don’t understand.
The problem with Inzi was that he was a bad JUDGE of a single or double. He hardly ever got a run out because he ran slow or took longer to turn around for second - he almost always got a run out because the run was never there.

An example of an unfit player in my opinion would be someone like Harris Sohail who, I remember seeing a couple of years ago, needing to take a water/short rest break at every single/double after scoring a 50 in a test match.
Soon as he reached his crease he would go down in a squat position trying to catch his breath. I mean, this was a specialist TEST batsman in his 20’s.

Inzi in his prime, on the other hand, would score double centuries and would still play like an unleashed beast.

Once and for all - drill this in your brain, Inzi was not unfit and Inzi was not slow runner - Inzi was a bad JUDGE of single or doubles. He almost always tried and got run out when the run was never there. It has hardly got anything to do with physical fitness.

His physiue says otherwise. Being that fat can't be healthy and I don't see how the excess fat helped him in any way possible.

 

[Kroll]

How is he unfit to select?
What U mean who is Misbah?

Misbah is a Pakistani legend.

He seems to be more of an Indian legend than a Pakistani one given the love and support he gets from from Indian fans. I wonder why

Question for you which you need to answer honestly and to all other Indian fans. Would accept Misbah to be your chief selector and/or head coach?

 

[tyron_woodley]

He seems to be more of an Indian legend than a Pakistani one given the love and support he gets from from Indian fans. I wonder why

Question for you which you need to answer honestly and to all other Indian fans. Would accept Misbah to be your chief selector and/or head coach?

100% yes. Misbah had the fear factor when he was a player. Game was never over until he was out. That's why Indiana respect him so much. Plus he is just a real gangster tbh. He makes some real good quips every now and then in the press meets lol.

I would take Misbah over the idiot Shastri anyday.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

His physiue says otherwise. Being that fat can't be healthy and I don't see how the excess fat helped him in any way possible.

You should be able to post a couple of incidents where "access fat" resulted in "unfitness" and he wasn't able to make a play? Go ahead, give it your best shot.

I am not against fitness and regular workout, and I always supported a well balanced fitness routine supported by a controlled and healthy diet; however, looking like a Tarzan does not automatically mean a super fit cricket player.

Ask Sajad Chegeni or Phil Heath to throw a cricket ball as far as they can, it won't land more than 50 feet.
Cricket fitness is not necessary based on looks only. For a BATSMAN, there is the first and foremost element of STAMINA, and second is, having great batting technique.

If you have these two, you can do fairly good.

Not everyone can become a runner between the wickets like late Dean Jones (RIP) who would intimidate and push the entire opposition team on the back-foot with his "running between the wickets" alone, but we still had the likes of Ranatungas and Inzimams who made it to the top.

Again, Inzi wasn't "unfit" as a batsman or as a slip fielder. He had absolutely great stamina and great technique.
Where he lacked was, the ability to accurately calculate the probability of a quick run. His brain often gave him the wrong conclusion that ended up in suicidal run outs.

 

[tyron_woodley]

You should be able to post a couple of incidents where "access fat" resulted in "unfitness" and he wasn't able to make a play? Go ahead, give it your best shot.

I am not against fitness and regular workout, and I always supported a well balanced fitness routine supported by a controlled and healthy diet; however, looking like a Tarzan does not automatically mean a super fit cricket player.

Ask Sajad Chegeni or Phil Heath to throw a cricket ball as far as they can, it won't land more than 50 feet.
Cricket fitness is not necessary based on looks only. For a BATSMAN, there is the first and foremost element of STAMINA, and second is, having great batting technique.

If you have these two, you can do fairly good.

Not everyone can become a runner between the wickets like late Dean Jones (RIP) who would intimidate and push the entire opposition team on the back-foot with his "running between the wickets" alone, but we still had the likes of Ranatungas and Inzimams who made it to the top.

Again, Inzi wasn't "unfit" as a batsman or as a slip fielder. He had absolutely great stamina and great technique.
Where he lacked was, the ability to accurately calculate the probability of a quick run. His brain often gave him the wrong conclusion that ended up in suicidal run outs.

ok fair enough. You are right. I am not asking him to look like tarzan but he is clearly carrying a bit of excess weight right? Surely it can only help him if he did lose the weight at the time.

He is obviously a great batsman. One of the best.

 

[Kroll]

100% yes. Misbah had the fear factor when he was a player. Game was never over until he was out. That's why Indiana respect him so much. Plus he is just a real gangster tbh. He makes some real good quips every now and then in the press meets lol.

I would take Misbah over the idiot Shastri anyday.

You mean the game was over when he came in.

I would take Misbah over the idiot Shastri anyday.

Oh, of course you would.

 

[tyron_woodley]

You mean the game was over when he came in.



Oh, of course you would.

are you sure? last i recall pakistan became number 1 in tests only because of misbah and younis albeit a brief stint as the number 1 side. Number 1 in tests regardless.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Why is sharjeel Khan rejected then?

Well he is far away to be compared with Inzi in terms of fitness, skill and talent. In addition to that a fixer

 

[shah_1]

Inzamam had a frame like Rohit Sharna for the most his career but he gained massive weight in last 3 years of his career.

He wasn't bulky like Sharjeel Khan

 

[Kroll]

are you sure? last i recall pakistan became number 1 in tests only because of misbah and younis albeit a brief stint as the number 1 side. Number 1 in tests regardless.

Spin heavy attack had a lot do with it also. What about getting smashed in ODI's and overseas tests?

I'm sure Pak would still have done well in tests in home conditions without Misbah.

He's not the saviour he purports to be but very much a leecher.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Spin heavy attack had a lot do with it also. What about getting smashed in ODI's and overseas tests?

I'm sure Pak would still have done well in tests in home conditions without Misbah.

He's not the saviour he purports to be but very much a leecher.

You have to give him credit for reviving test cricket in Pakistan. He lead from the front.

I agree overseas record could have been better but in post 2010 era most teams are so strong at home that it's almost impossible to win away unless you win the toss or practice in the foreign nation's local first class setup prior to starting the official series.

He destroyed Australia at home and blanked england and many other teams. He even drew away in England. He did a phenomenal job.

Pakistan did well in the WC and were very unfortunate to not beat the Aussies in the KO stages. That's dropped catch of Watson changed the outcome of the game.