"I am considering Saud Shakeel in a league which includes big names like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and other five to six players": Kamran Akmal

[MenInG]

Kamran Akmal speaking to a local journalist:

"I am looking at Saud from a different angle. I am considering him in the league, which includes big names like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and other five to six players. He[Saud] should be reaching near these players in the next three to four years - given the performance he has showcased, particularly when the circumstances were difficult. So, this is a good sign for Pakistan cricket when any batsman displays excellent batting performance, that too at an early age in early Test cricket"

==

Big statement that from Kamran!

 

[MenInG]

I understand Saud is good but is he that good?

 

[Saj]

Why say this and put pressure on the lad.

For him to reach that sort of level would be incredible and he would have to improve his game greatly.

 

[Markhor]

I hope so but the question is how Saud will fare outside Asia. He's grown up and done well on slow, low wickets. However he struggled for Yorkshire in the County Championship when the ball moved sideways.

The Australia tour will be a real test of both technique and ticker.

 

[hitthestump]

I think Saud was just handled well. For once Pakistan picked a player at the right time which meant he adapted to international cricket comparatively quickly.

There's a lot more to see from him before making a decision on his ability so this is pretty knee jerk from Kamran.

 

[Savak]

Saud hasn't proven anything in ODI Cricket yet. He is not even picked for T20 Cricket by a PSL side yet. Has lots to prove.

 

[Bewal Express]

Saud will have to find a way to score on wickets where people bowl short at the body. His stance worries me against the quick bowlers- its a baseball stance and it doesn't allow him to go back against the quicks

 

[MenInG]

Saud Shakeel getting ready for Afghanistan ODIs.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Well saud can do really well in ODIs.. He must have given a chance to prove himself as a solid middle order batsman which can consolidate the innings.

 

[Rana]

Well saud can do really well in ODIs.. He must have given a chance to prove himself as a solid middle order batsman which can consolidate the innings.

He is a must at number 4.

Mark my words, Pakistan will be 50-4 by the 15th over most matches if you go with a top 4 of Imam, Fakhar, Babar and Rizwan

 

[FreakCricket]

He is a must at number 4.

Mark my words, Pakistan will be 50-4 by the 15th over most matches if you go with a top 4 of Imam, Fakhar, Babar and Rizwan

SAUD should be the middle order, cant rely on shadab, Ifti and co to chase big totals.

 

[Bewal Express]

Not really. He has something but he isn't some superstar that isn't being picked.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

SAUD should be the middle order, cant rely on shadab, Ifti and co to chase big totals.

We should not think about a big score yet.. this same eleven is very much capable of chasing any score.

 

[King_Babar]

He is a must at number 4.

Mark my words, Pakistan will be 50-4 by the 15th over most matches if you go with a top 4 of Imam, Fakhar, Babar and Rizwan

What is the data behind this hypothesis? Pakistan has been playing these 4 at top since last world cup now, how many times Pak has been 50-4 ?

 

[Syed1]

Ah yes the cricketing expert, Kami, dropping his insights just like how he used to drop catches behind the stumps

 

[Markhor]

Saud had a torrid time for Yorkshire in early season English conditions this year.

He has been excellent on slow low Asian pitches but there's a big question whether he can deliver outside Asia.

Babar and Saud will win many awards for aesthetics but substantive knocks are needed on a tour of Australia against world class bowlers, and neither have produced.

 

[samiakh]

Saud Shakil is another in the long line of mentally weak Pakistani batsmen. Who are fine in conditions that suit them, but cannot fight it out in conditions that don’t.

I always knew he would be found out in Aus but I didn’t know it would be this bad. Play him in the sub continent but he should not even be in the squad for tours to Aus/Eng/SaF/NZ. Invest in others like Kamran Ghulam or even Tayyab Tahir who I think have a more fighting mindset.