Is it the right decision to appoint Shadab Khan as vice-captain for the ODI and T20I sides?

[MenInG]

Shadab appointed as vice captain for odi and T20I teams for the series vs Zimbabwe

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Start of an era - mark my words.

 

[angrypathan]

Good. Imad's captaincy was badly exposed again in this tournament. Hopefully Karachi make the sensible decision to appoint Babar their captain in the next PSL.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations Shadab and Good luck. I will take this opportunity To announce Shadab will be first choice captain of Northern from now on . <a href="https://t.co/U8WbK4Ep3B">https://t.co/U8WbK4Ep3B</a></p>— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadWasim77/status/1318129824137969670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[zain7077]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations Shadab and Good luck. I will take this opportunity To announce Shadab will be first choice captain of Northern from now on . <a href="https://t.co/U8WbK4Ep3B">https://t.co/U8WbK4Ep3B</a></p>— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadWasim77/status/1318129824137969670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hopefully common sense prevails at KK and Babar is made captain

 

[Rana]

Cheetah of Pakistan!

Best of luck you legend

 

[Markhor]

Surprisingly progressive move from Misbah.

And well done to Mohammad Wasim for announcing Shadab as permanent Northern captain. Felt they lost a step when Imad was skipper.

 

[PakPremi]

Bad news for some haters. Shadab is a must in all formats including Tests.

 

[Hasan123]

I think he should concentrate on being a starter before giving him such a role. But it seems as though Pakistan think he is a definite starter.

 

[Titan24]

Lead Northern pretty well in first leg and performed too. Seemed level headed in post match interviews too. Also there must be a reason that all the coaches he has played under see leadership qualities in him. Mickey talked about him, he was made vice captain during Deano’s tenure with IU if I am not wrong, Misbah made him the skipper of IU and now Moh Wasim have made him full time Northern captain while Misbah has appointed him VC.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Oh no. A mediocre, bits and pieces player who's a darter with the ball and a complete slug with the bat is made VC? Damn, when the fans hype up someone as bad as Shadab, that's how you know our standards have gone down.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think he is a great T20 player. He can be a potential future T20 captain.

Not sure about ODI though.

 

[aloo paratha]

I Think he's our future long term T20I captain anyways. Babar should captain test and ODI for now, don't want him to captain all 3 formats.

 

[Mesozoic]

Where's that "You know things are bad when......" thread when you need it?

 

[PakPremi]

Oh no. A mediocre, bits and pieces player who's a darter with the ball and a complete slug with the bat is made VC? Damn, when the fans hype up someone as bad as Shadab, that's how you know our standards have gone down.

So a mediocre bits and pieces scores runs against England and takes wickets in their country.

 

[Titan24]

Where's that "You know things are bad when......" thread when you need it?

Well the guy outperformed Chahal and Kudleep with bowl in WC 19 an averages more in test cricket with bat than Hardik Pandya.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

So a mediocre bits and pieces scores runs against England and takes wickets in their country.

Lmao, that 45? That was just a one off and any clown can score that innings. His stats against non minnows in ODIs are horrible. The guy is useless.

 

[Rana]

Well the guy outperformed Chahal and Kudleep with bowl in WC 19 an averages more in test cricket with bat than Hardik Pandya.

Maybe BCCI fans need that thread if thats the case

 

[Mesozoic]

Well the guy outperformed Chahal and Kudleep with bowl in WC 19 an averages more in test cricket with bat than Hardik Pandya.

I don't quite get your point (as neither Chahal nor Pandya are appointed vice captain) but Chahal actually picked more wickets than him at the same average. How is that "outperforming"? And you've only managed to show how average Shadab is by comparing him to Pandya who last played a test god knows when.

 

[Loralai]

It is a sign of how far our cricket has declined that Shadab has been selected as vice captain.

His performance of late has been very average and he should not be considered an automatic selection. yet now he is vice captain.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

I don't quite get your point (as neither Chahal nor Pandya are appointed vice captain) but Chahal actually picked more wickets than him at the same average. How is that "outperforming"? And you've only managed to show how average Shadab is by comparing him to Pandya who last played a test god knows when.

Shadab was appointed vice captain for limited overs not tests - he has consistently raised the bar with fielding, taking wickets at crucial times, backing his bowlers, and leading from the front with the bat. The way he pushes his partner at the crease to steal quick singles and convert 1’s into 2’s, it’s commendable.

His innings against England in the first Test this year actually helped Shan Masood get to 150 after previous batsmen put too much pressure on Shan before getting out, and the session before Shadab came in, Pakistan was choked for runs. He elevated our score by around 80 runs due to that partnership.

Further, Northern was perhaps the gold standard for fielding in the first leg of the tournament where pretty much all teams were horrible. Shadab elevated the likes of even Musa Khan to become a strike bowler, and backed people like Haider, Zeeshan to play their natural games as batsmen. Upon Imad’s re-entry, there was a sense of cluelessness with bowling changes and we only then realized how good Shadab had been. He is young and therefore socializes very well with everyone, but also commands respect from everyone from Haider Ali to Babar Azam.

This guy gives it his all on the cricket field, and elevates every player in his team by 2%.

 

[Sher Khan]

Great decision. Talented player.

 

[Savak]

Brilliant decision. He showed leadership qualities in both the PSL and in the T-20 domestic tournament.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

Lmao, that 45? That was just a one off and any clown can score that innings. His stats against non minnows in ODIs are horrible. The guy is useless.

What about his 3 50's on the test tour of England in 2018?
And his 47 not out in a low scoring test in South Africa?
To add to that, these runs were also scored a good clip and his career strike rate is 62.

He has all these contributions in a grand total of 6 test matches and he is considered an allrounder, not a specialist batsman.
With all that said, I think you need to revisit your definition of what a "one off" is.

 

[Titan24]

I don't quite get your point (as neither Chahal nor Pandya are appointed vice captain) but Chahal actually picked more wickets than him at the same average. How is that "outperforming"? And you've only managed to show how average Shadab is by comparing him to Pandya who last played a test god knows when.

Well your post implied that you are taking a dig and are on for banter.

As on a serious note it looks like you have missed some of the posts including my post no 10.

Shadab's performance has been decent in his little career so far and nobody is seeing he has been something extraordinary in every format. There is a lot of roam to improve surely.

However, if multiple coaches both local as well as foreigners talked about his leadership skills as I mentioned then there must be something. Mickey Arther, Dean Jones, Mohammad Wasim and Misbah Ul Haq cant be all wrong. So he obviously has some positive traits which he can build upon.

As a player as well he did stand up when he was required in ICC tournaments to an extent by taking the wicket when partnership was set with wicket of Root in CT 17 semi, got Yuvraj in CT final (Although India was kind of already lost) got wickets of Roy and Root against Eng in WC 19, got wickets of QDK, Markram and Van Der Dussen agains SA in WC 19 etc.

He definitely has a lot to improve on but he is still young and has shown some decent potential as I have mentioned.

So not exactly sure, whats up with your comment of "You know things are bad" thread.

 

[MMHS]

I think, it’s a good decision for few reasons

1. It breaks the decades long monopoly of seniors in PAK cricket - since Javed in late 1970s PAK hardly appointed young captain and often their captain (s) have been appointed when in down hill of career. This gives an indication of change - Captain and deputy are two of the youngest players in the squad.

2. A captain/deputy must command his spot in the playing XI for playing merit. For PAK LO side, I think Shadab is one of the first few names in list. He won’t be a baggage on the XI and his personality trait is perfect for deputy - agile, active, involved & enthusiastic. I don’t think Shadab has any enemy in the squad.

3. His age is perfectly suited for the role - 3-4 years younger than the captain, means he can always wait for his time; less requirements for politics. Often PCB’s vice Captains are similar aged or even older than captain - that’ll always make ambitious people desperate. It ended in 1990s often a PAK XI with 7-8 past or future captains in it. Now, order is set - other ambitious youngsters can rest in peace & focus on their cricket for next many years.

4. He is a type of player that suits the format; it’ll help him as Captain/deputy as well. No matter how good you are in core skills, if personality doesn’t fit the job... I guess people have seen what could happen from Azhar Ali’s ODI tenure.

5. It’ll (should) force Shadab improve his game. He is safe in this PAK side actually has a duel meaning as well. In last few months, his ODI batting has been below per to say politely and he has regressed as bowler - at least didn’t improve. Added status/responsibility can work both ways for a player - it back fired for some Sachin Tendulkar; it may work for Shadab - you never know until you put him on hot seat.

Overall, it’s a progressive, bold decision which comes with much lesser risk than appointing Babar Azam as Test captain.

 

[Rayyman]

No. I would have preferred Shaheen Shah Afridi for that role.

 

[PakPremi]

What about his 3 50's on the test tour of England in 2018?
And his 47 not out in a low scoring test in South Africa?
To add to that, these runs were also scored a good clip and his career strike rate is 62.

He has all these contributions in a grand total of 6 test matches and he is considered an allrounder, not a specialist batsman.
With all that said, I think you need to revisit your definition of what a "one off" is.

Cannot argue with people who hate someone despite performances, that is like trying to convince Mamoon.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Great choice indeed. Mickey requested the board to make Shadab captain of all formats or at least the ODI after the WC 19. The reason he gave was his on field pseudo-captaincy as Sarfraz always go to Shadab to ask for field settings and bowling changes. Mickey was fired, now Misbah appoints him as vice captain. No doubt he is the future captain.

 

[Varun]

A cricket vice captain is more of a signaling move to show the fans who's next in line, rather than expecting him to undertake any real leadership tasks.

Especially if he's an LoI vice captain - the real captain (Babar Azam) is rarely if ever going to leave the field in any ODI or T20. Perhaps once a series at best.

So the move is to ready the fans and the team for the next captain if Babar fizzles out or is injured.

 

[Mesozoic]

[MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] [MENTION=151892]Thunderbolt14[/MENTION]

I appreciate the points you've made about him being a good leader, fielder and all and I agree that he can be a good Test cricketer but he is an average cricketer or atleast looks like one to me in white ball cricket. Bowls two long hops every over, not too much pedigree with the bat either and has an average record against top teams in ODIs. Can't predict the future but well....

So yeah....I was kinda surprised.

 

[Mesozoic]

I think there were better candidates in Rizwan, Imad Wasim and even Imam Ul haq.

That's all.

 

[Titan24]

So yeah....I was kinda surprised.

Yes its understandable so fair enough.

 

[Titan24]

I think there were better candidates in Rizwan, Imad Wasim and even Imam Ul haq.

That's all.

Valid point. I think as Babar is 26 so there was no point in making someone older like Imad VC. I think Imad was VC before Shadab. Imam could have been a good option but he is currently mainly considered for ODIs and not so much for T20s and Rizwan is couple of years older than Babar which doesnt make that big of a difference but, more importantly he is still working on his T20 power game to make a permanent spot in the format.

So Shadab was younger than Babar and makes the XI in both the white ball format. Different coaches rated him and he has lead sides in domestic cricket pretty well toll now.

While your point is valid, i just tried to explain the possible reasons behind the decision.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

I think there were better candidates in Rizwan, Imad Wasim and even Imam Ul haq.

That's all.

I agree about Rizwan the most from these three picks. Problem is, there are still question marks on his inclusion in the T20 side. That prevents us from making him captain (though I will actually make him Tests vice captain effective immediately).

Imad is not a good captain. I liked him initially but he doesn’t push his players one notch above at all. Karachi Kings despite being a stacked lineup has yet to make it all the way, while his inclusion in the Northern side brought them down. He was clueless with bowling changes and backing the right bowlers, and even promoted himself above Shadab in the semi-final, messing with the batting order that had worked so well in the tournament. Even Asif Ali was promoted. They ended up choking the match.

Further, Imad is already quite old and not fit at all. If the goal is to have 2023 in mind, then Imad is not the right pick. I expect Shadab will take on Imad’s role in the squad by then while Zafar Gohar takes Shadab’s role. Further, since Babar is unlikely to be dropped as captain by 2023 for stability purposes, Shadab is actually being groomed for after that, i.e 2023-2027. Therefore Imad becomes a big no no.

Lastly regarding Imam ul Haq, he’s a hard working guy but has never at any level showed leadership qualities and it seems you are only mentioning him because he speaks English. He is often in the news for the wrong reasons, and I’m talking about selfish knocks rather than his uncle. He scores consistently, but it is possible Haider Ali dislodges him from the opener position (unless it is Fakhar who is dropped). Despite all of this, I will actually still groom Imam as well, by making him captain of Balochistan starting next year (not Haris Sohail). He shows potential there, then sure we can revisit this conversation.

If we follow the process and trust it, Shadab has excelled in his regional captaincy and thus should be rewarded, rather than pick a name out of the hat from the national side before they are checked. This is also keeping age and utility in mind. That’s why.

 

[Saj]

It's good to see PCB with one eye on the future.

I guess the other main option was Rizwan.

Worth realising though that being vice captain isn't a guarantee that you wil be skipper one day.

 

[Square Drive]

I 100% agree with this decision. One of the best we've taken in ages.

Love it.

 

[yxsr]

Best all rounder after Imran Khan, shadabs talent and performances beat afridi's and mushtaq's. Has a brain too. solid decision and looking forward to seeing this blessing for the rest of his career

 

[hitthestump]

It isn't so much Shadab's current skill level. He remains a work in progress and is unconvincing in internationals so far.

What Shadab brings to the table is a huge heart, incredible work ethic and the ability to rise to the occasion. You give this man a challenge, and he will rise to it.

The fact that he is clearly junior to Babar will also help establish the hierachy and hopefully stop there being too many captains in one team.

 

[aloo paratha]

Realistically it won't even matter. Batsman don't get injured often.

 

[Bewal Express]

No, he cant get into the team as bowler and that makes the whole VC thing irrelevant. If he gets a place in the team on merit, he will make a decent captain

 

[Kroll]

Well, its up to Shadab to make it the right decision, its all in his hands now.

He should forget about the women and the materialistic trappings that fame and wealth bring. He should go at his career wholeheartedly and 100% committed.

 

[Titan24]

No, he cant get into the team as bowler and that makes the whole VC thing irrelevant. If he gets a place in the team on merit, he will make a decent captain

Currently who deserves a place over Shadab in LOIs and on which domestic white ball performances?

 

[Bewal Express]

Well, its up to Shadab to make it the right decision, its all in his hands now.

He should forget about the women and the materialistic trappings that fame and wealth bring. He should go at his career wholeheartedly and 100% committed.

Its destroyed the career of nearly every PK cricketer( Babar is the exception so far) that has come on the scene, so that is a no goer.

 

[Usman]

I think this is a really good decision for Pakistani cricket. I know lots of people don't rate Shadab but I do. There is something special about him because he has the ability to change the course of a match. A terrific spell that gets the key opposition men out. An electric piece of fielding at a key moment that makes you jump out of your seat in joy. A crucial cameo that gets the team that winning score. It's these magic moments that mean that even when he gets hit for runs, we as fans can let it go.

Shadab is someone with positive intent and someone who enjoys the game - as seen by the massive grin on his face. He has exactly the right energy and aggression needed for a leadership role.

 

[MenInG]

Shadab has made tremendous progress in past few months and totally deserves this promotion.

 

[mrtaim3]

A very good decision indeed. Shadab has shown his leadership qualities in the absence of Imad Wasim. He has a lot to offer. A very energetic person to have on the field.

His batting has also improved a lot. His style of batting is similar to Steven Smith. I hope he reaches his level someday as well.

 

[ads101]

There's no one else. Imad is more of a captain to come in if Babar doesn't captaincy doesn't work out, not as someone for future captaincy. Imam only holds an ODI spot right now, with little captaincy experience that I'm aware of. The rest are too old and only have a few years left of playing if that or hardly been in the team long. Shadab for his credit has decent stats and has held down a place for a few years.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Few days ago [MENTION=146594]BreadPakoda[/MENTION] was asking me why I didn't rate Pandya but called Shadab Khan a captaincy material last year. I am sure he has got his answer now. This is the first step in that direction.

 

[shamaan]

I think he should concentrate on being a starter before giving him such a role. But it seems as though Pakistan think he is a definite starter.

He is definite starter in limited overs thiere no one better as a spin bowling all rounder

 

[shamaan]

Oh no. A mediocre, bits and pieces player who's a darter with the ball and a complete slug with the bat is made VC? Damn, when the fans hype up someone as bad as Shadab, that's how you know our standards have gone down.

How is he bits and peices please explain to the rest of us

 

[Rana]

No. I would have preferred Shaheen Shah Afridi for that role.

He has an IQ of a 15 year old. No thanks

 

[shamaan]

No, he cant get into the team as bowler and that makes the whole VC thing irrelevant. If he gets a place in the team on merit, he will make a decent captain

He gets in the team as as a bowler on merit his stats are better than rashid in both odis and t20s as a bowler

 

[shamaan]

It is a sign of how far our cricket has declined that Shadab has been selected as vice captain.

His performance of late has been very average and he should not be considered an automatic selection. yet now he is vice captain.

Every bowler batter goes throw a tough time it's what they do to come back from that his stats are stil better than rashid

 

[shamaan]

Excellent decision I hope he keeps working hard at his game has a positive attitude and drives other players on

 

[Snowflake]

Well, its up to Shadab to make it the right decision, its all in his hands now.

He should forget about the women and the materialistic trappings that fame and wealth bring. He should go at his career wholeheartedly and 100% committed.

Can't forget about the women. That's gotta be a big motivation to perform

 

[Bewal Express]

He gets in the team as as a bowler on merit his stats are better than rashid in both odis and t20s as a bowler

Until you watch the rubbish he bowls. Whats the old saying about stats, they are like bikinis, they hide more than they reveal.

 

[GreenKhan]

Excellent decision . He has improved with the bat , is dynamic in the field and does the job with the ball . Not sure why he gets hate . Is not one to shy away from a challenge and has mental toughness.

Being a spinner in these modern times their is no doubt he will be taken to the cleaners every now and then , but along with Babar as a set of youngsters they are the bright sparks of our limited over teams.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

its sad to see such an average cricketer given Vice Captaincy. Pakistan works on the extremes,
instead of giving it to a talented player, they just go by the age of the player. And these days it seems like being youngest is the criteria to be the next big thing in Pakistan cricket.
He cannot bat against good attacks, bowls a long hop or full toss every 2nd ball against top teams.
Imam Ul Haq, having an average of 50+ in ODIs and can be moulded into a decent batter in T20 if given a chance, is the best candidate given he is young and has performed much better then Shadab.

 

[coy0607]

At time point Shadab is one of the more experienced domestic captains, and has generally exceeded expectations as captain. He's also arguably one of the 3 or 4 best LOI players in the team. Hard to fault this decision

 

[shamaan]

Until you watch the rubbish he bowls. Whats the old saying about stats, they are like bikinis, they hide more than they reveal.

In t20s against austrlia 21,23 against england,17 against New Zealand also I do watch the rubbish he bowls quite good rubbish azwell and funny guy

 

[shamaan]

its sad to see such an average cricketer given Vice Captaincy. Pakistan works on the extremes,
instead of giving it to a talented player, they just go by the age of the player. And these days it seems like being youngest is the criteria to be the next big thing in Pakistan cricket.
He cannot bat against good attacks, bowls a long hop or full toss every 2nd ball against top teams.
Imam Ul Haq, having an average of 50+ in ODIs and can be moulded into a decent batter in T20 if given a chance, is the best candidate given he is young and has performed much better then Shadab.

Imaam is good in odis but no way warrants a place in t20s good job you ain't a selector

 

[MenInG]

Poor guy - not been able to play since being appointed as VC

==

Rawalpindi, 5 November 2020:

Shadab Khan will be unavailable for selection for the first T20I against Zimbabwe, which will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, 7 November.

The leg-spinner is recovering well from his injury, but he is advised for more rest.

The decision to include Shadab in the remaining T20I matches will take place in due course.

Shadab suffered from stiffness in his left upper-leg during the first intra-squad warm-up match in Lahore on 23 October.

 

[shamaan]

I hope qadir is given a run

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Wasim on Shadab Khan:

PakPassion.net: Can Shadab Khan be an option for Pakistan in all three formats?

Mohammad Wasim: Shadab has already proven himself in One-Day and T20 cricket. But the real challenge for him is in red-ball cricket which he can easily do because he has what we lack in Pakistan at the moment. We don’t see too many spinners in the game nowadays although the likes of Zahid Mahmood, Nauman Ali and Kashif Bhatti have impressed in recent times. But overall, the quality of finger spinners and leg-spinners in domestic cricket is something we have lacked in the last few years. Especially when we talk about leg-spinners there is a huge question mark, which is best exemplified by the form of Yasir Shah in the past few months. This is where Shadab Khan’s presence is important as he is being prepared as a backup to Yasir Shah in red-ball cricket.

As a batsman, you can use him at any suitable position. He can bat higher up the order or come lower down as a finisher and is as versatile as it gets. He has three fifties in Tests which speaks volumes about his batting abilities in red-ball cricket, but I feel he still has some way to go before we call him a finished product. He hasn’t played too many red-ball games for us at Northern and what he needs to do now is to bowl long spells because whilst he has the variations, he does need to develop patience. This is important in the longer form of the game because unlike in white-ball cricket where the batsman is always after you and is likely to make a mistake, a different mindset is needed to bowl in red-ball cricket. Here, the batsman is biding his time and waiting for a bad ball. So, as a spinner you are expected to show patience and bowl good overs consistently which can be a challenge, but I do feel Shadab can do that. He has the talent and his fitness is good and all he needs to do, as and when he is given a chance, is to show that he is a good wicket-taking option in all forms of the game.

 

[Mamoon]

As I have said before, he is just a Saad Nasim who got a lucky break. If life had taken a different turn, he would be struggling to get domestic contracts today.

A nothing cricketer in every sense of the word. He has no ability and skill with either bat or ball.

The fact that he is the vice-captain in LOIs says everything that needs to be said about the mediocrity of Pakistan cricket.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Shouldnt be in the side as a player, let alone vice captain. Really poor stuff from PCB.

 

[Major]

Back than the decision was good. He isn't performing now however.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Few days ago [MENTION=146594]BreadPakoda[/MENTION] was asking me why I didn't rate Pandya but called Shadab Khan a captaincy material last year. I am sure he has got his answer now. This is the first step in that direction.

How are you always right?

On topic, Shadab isn't a hitter so he definitely can't play anywhere other than top 3, and he is not solid enough to bat in top 3.

 

[Concerned]

Shadab is a number 8/9 batsmen and not capable of bowling 10 overs.

Rather play Hassan Ali who will bring more value.

 

[shamaan]

Its proberly a good thing that shadab is injuired otherwise things might not have ended well with his career

 

[BreadPakoda]

As I have said before, he is just a Saad Nasim who got a lucky break. If life had taken a different turn, he would be struggling to get domestic contracts today.

A nothing cricketer in every sense of the word. He has no ability and skill with either bat or ball.

The fact that he is the vice-captain in LOIs says everything that needs to be said about the mediocrity of Pakistan cricket.

His “form” has not come as a surprise to me. Even more talented bowlers like Yuzi, Kuldeep, Sodhi, Maharaj, etc. have had terrible days on field. LOIs don’t spare even the best slow bowlers, forget Shadab who’s just average.

With bat, he’s useful but not a match winner. His primary skill is bowling which he will have to improve considerably to be a regular in the team. Especially now that Quadir has been knocking the door.

Why would you make such a player the vice captain? But this is PCT think tank.

Mohammad Rizwan is the right player to backed as VC and should potentially challenge Babar for the Captain spot.

 

[RainStopsPlay]

As I have said before, he is just a Saad Nasim who got a lucky break. If life had taken a different turn, he would be struggling to get domestic contracts today.

A nothing cricketer in every sense of the word. He has no ability and skill with either bat or ball.

The fact that he is the vice-captain in LOIs says everything that needs to be said about the mediocrity of Pakistan cricket.

Exactly my thoughts. I'd be happy to see someone like Rizwan or Fakhar lead the team as vice-captain because they at least perform and win games once in a while. This Shadab guy has achieved nothing yet and I wonder on what basis has he been selected as Vice-Captain? I saw his Twitter and Instagram a few days ago. Looks like he's a better social media player than on the cricket field.

 

[Mamoon]

It is painful to watch Shadab play and it boils my blood to see him a leadership role.

He just oozes lack of talent in both batting and bowling.

As a batsman, he is always late on the ball. When he is facing short-pitched bowling, the ball pops up in the air off his gloves all the time and he always looks like getting caught somewhere in the circle.

He can barely time anything and has to muscle everything. His strike rate of 70 in ODIs sums up his lack of ability.

He is a self-appointed Steve Smith but in reality he is a homeless man’s Shoaib Malik.

As a bowler, I don’t remember the last time spun the ball sharply. He is bowling a couple of half-trackers every over and his googly has also become impotent over the last couple of years.

He is playing as an all-rounder but his presence is making both the batting and bowling weak simultaneously.

He needs to be replaced by a specialist batsman who can bowl some part-time spin. His bowling at the moment is barely better than Haris Sohail’s, who is leagues above him as a batsman.

Faheem also doesn’t serve any purpose in Limited Overs. He wastes too many bowls in the lower-order and he is not reliable enough to be promoted up the order.

As a bowler, he is just a filler option and can bowl some economical overs in the middle but he is a liability in the death overs.

He should be replaced with Imad. His impact with the ball would be similar if not better and he is Pakistan’s best lower-order batsman. He is intelligent and inventive, and has proved his finishing skills.

More often than not, he will take Pakistan home comfortably in the type of situation that we found ourselves in the first ODI. Both Shadab and Faheem nearly bottled that one. Imad has finished many matches for Pakistan.

Shadab out, Haris in
Faheem out, Imad in

There is no doubt that the team would look in better shape than it is today.

Also, Danish Aziz should be replaced with Hafeez.

 

[Saj]

I can see where PCB were going with this idea but I'm not sure it's the right call.

Shadab is struggling to even hold his place in the white ball formats, he's struggling for form and he needs to go back to the drawing board in terms of his skills.

I would appoint Rizwan as vice captain in all 3 formats.

 

[Firebat]

Judging by his performances for Islamabad, perhaps not.

I don't want to be too reactionary, but consistently in PSL6 as captain he has bumped himself up the order and failed, and today he bottled it during Lahore's chase captaincy-wise.

He has a way to go before I'm comfortable of him taking the reigns in the absence of the captain. He is of course only 22.

 

[moghul]

The guy has regressed a lot over last 2-3 years, let him improve his game first before rewarding him with new responsibility .

 

[hitthestump]

The guy has regressed a lot over last 2-3 years, let him improve his game first before rewarding him with new responsibility .

Yep. He is nowhere near the best leggie in the PSL let alone international cricket. The PCB took a big gamble on this guy and he did look promising when he was young, but now is time to avoid another Asad Shafiq saga. Shadab is mediocre and needs to be dropped from all formats.

Of course captaincy isn't going to be an issue, Mohammad Rizwan walks into the role.

 

[Jazx]

Rizwan is the right person instead of shadab. He even don't deserves a place in team as a player itself.

 

[Saj]

Shadab had his best match today as skipper for a long time.

Led his team well, bowled well himself and the bowling changes were spot-on.