[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Kamran Ghulam - International Performance Watch

[Farabi]

I think he’s 100% better than Babar and Rizwan

He’s proactive. Doesn’t believe in eating up balls to get himself in. Wants to rotate strike against spin.

Now he’s show a power game, but this is a good track. He won’t bat like this if he is up the order doing a middle order job.

I agree on the fluency piece. In the last few seasons, his strike rate in List A always hovers around 100, and he has the game to take the attack to the spinners no matter the conditions.
I always thought his game against high pace is questionable but today’s innings will silence his critics. Should definitely be batting at no4 and ahead of Rizwan.

 

[sindhiboy]

Should have been picked for Pakistan alot earlier

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Kamran is a better option compared to tayyab tahir in t20 format too... he has better range of shots

 

[gazza619]

I havent felt as happy seeing someone succeed as I have felt for KG. This man deserves success.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Kamran Ghulam was named Man of the Match in the 2nd ODI against SA after playing a match-winning innings of 63 off 32 deliveries.

 

[mominsaigol]

I've always said this multiple times

A domestic performer with experience will always succeed over rubbish upon rubbish like Abdullah who have zero experience.

 

[cricketfan24]

Kamran ghulam and saim ayub type of players are refreshing to see in the Pakistan team and more of domestic performers need to be given a chance yes they will fail at first but just have to give them a run and they will become good eventually

 

[Bewal Express]

We haven't had a Middle order players that can actually take on the spinners since Shoaib Malik. He might be of slender frame but he packs a punch

 

[Hawkeye]

There will be many who will jump on the hype train after todays knock.

However, hold your horses. His game against pace is not good and today SA had a tier 3 bowling attack.

Sure, he can bash some spin and that can come in handy, but he’s not a reliable hitter and more of an anchor who will often struggle against high class pace bowling - which we will definitely encounter in ICC tournaments.

He can score off of fast bowling at a slow pace but cannot hit them is my point.

Just don’t expect him to replicate this too often. Will definitely take his spin bashing though if he does it in future.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Kamran Ghulam at the post-match press conference after Pakistan's victory in the 2nd ODI against South Africa:

"We have won this series and I am really excited and happy. The team's morale is quite high because we won the series against Australia as well and now we have won the series against South Africa here."

"Winning a series like this always gives you confidence and boosts your morale. Now, we will carry this performance forward and look forward to the Champions Trophy."

"Everyone knows Babar is a world-class batter and today he scored a half-century which will surely boost his confidence."

"Our captain told us that it doesn’t matter whether we bat first or bowl; we have to play our natural game and eventually it worked for us."

"We defeated Australia in Australia, Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, and now we’ve defeated South Africa on their home ground. This lifts our confidence and the camps we did before really helped us improve our game and made everyone gel together."

"The century I scored against England – I give credit to my domestic cricket where I played a lot and learned a lot. The different conditions there also helped me improve my game."

"Shaheen Afridi bowled very well tonight; he bowled fast and also got some reverse swing. I am hoping he will carry this form into the upcoming matches as well."

 

[BouncerGuy]

WHat a knock from Kamran. I think he wanted to play at that number? NO?? Maybe not but that inning was something we have not seen before from Pakistan batters... he literally took the game away from Saffers.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Kamran deserves all the praise. That inning was on some next level.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869840413009555702

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Guys looking at how well kamran played just took the game away from south africa he looks a complete player can bowl as well i can see him overtaking babar as pak best batsmen if pak wants to win test series he has to be in playing 11 for test matches.

 

[Major]

if he make the lower order his spot than yes. But im still skeptical about the guy, needs to be more consisstent and not one of shows.

but one thing is certain, he is much better than that Usman Khan hack

 

[gazza619]

Kamran is solid. I just hope this knock doesnt make him overconfident and he tries to become a slogger which he clearly isnt.

 

[shamaan]

Totally changed the complex of the game an outstanding Innings.

 

[RidiculousMan]

if he make the lower order his spot than yes. But im still skeptical about the guy, needs to be more consisstent and not one of shows.

but one thing is certain, he is much better than that Usman Khan hack

There won't be a problem. CT25 will be played in Pakistan and Dubai

 

[Major]

I think he’s 100% better than Babar and Rizwan

He’s proactive. Doesn’t believe in eating up balls to get himself in. Wants to rotate strike against spin.

Now he’s show a power game, but this is a good track. He won’t bat like this if he is up the order doing a middle order job.

Kamran Ghulam is better than a guy who has won an ICC player of the year award and another guy who has more than 5k international runs.

ok....

 

[mominsaigol]

Kamran Ghulam is better than a guy who has won an ICC player of the year award and another guy who has more than 5k international runs.

ok....

Prime babar no, but why not rizwan?

Rizwan doesn't have a single offside game? You can latch onto icc player of the year, it's as irrelevant as Babar being ranked no 1 and Travis head not even being top 10 even though the planet knows that Travis Head is in the class of David Warner who himself is leagues and leagues >>>>>>> Any pakistani whiteball batter ever produced.

In terms of records, how difficult is it to surpass a player who's played 82 odi's and only avg 41 with 88 sr and 3 centuries in total?

Same with tests?

It ain't hard. Just hit 4 centuries followed by maintaining an avg > 40 and you're good to go . Don't complain about cricket strings, 2 of rizzu's centuries are against c side aus.

 

[emranabbas]

Kamran is solid. I just hope this knock doesnt make him overconfident and he tries to become a slogger which he clearly isnt.

We've already ruined so many players by turning proper batsmen into sloggers. The main reason for this is the top order consuming too many balls without making an impact. If players like Kamran are only getting to bat in the last 5 or 10 overs, they have no choice but to become sloggers.

 

[Abid Z]

There will be many who will jump on the hype train after todays knock.

However, hold your horses. His game against pace is not good and today SA had a tier 3 bowling attack.

Sure, he can bash some spin and that can come in handy, but he’s not a reliable hitter and more of an anchor who will often struggle against high class pace bowling - which we will definitely encounter in ICC tournaments.

He can score off of fast bowling at a slow pace but cannot hit them is my point.

Just don’t expect him to replicate this too often. Will definitely take his spin bashing though if he does it in future.

No he is judicious and selective as befits a good first class pedigree. The bowling he is facing right now in SAF is about as tough as it gets. A player needs belief that they belong and he is proving that in both the England series and now in SAF. He’s doing ok but yes more consistency is required to truly cement his place. We can judge him properly after about 20 innings he’s still new and will be found out.

 

[Hawkeye]

No he is judicious and selective as befits a good first class pedigree. The bowling he is facing right now in SAF is about as tough as it gets. A player needs belief that they belong and he is proving that in both the England series and now in SAF. He’s doing ok but yes more consistency is required to truly cement his place. We can judge him properly after about 20 innings he’s still new and will be found out.

He didn’t encounter any good quality pace bowling in the second ODI, where he scored runs.

Rabada was not playing.

I still think he cannot hit pace. He can however do some occasional spin bashing.

 

[Farabi]

He didn’t encounter any good quality pace bowling in the second ODI, where he scored runs.

Rabada was not playing.

I still think he cannot hit pace. He can however do some occasional spin bashing.

This might be true but how many batters in Pakistan and the world can hit Rabada?
Forget Rabada, who many Pakistani players can hit the pacers he did hit to score 60 of 30 vs SA in SA in a must win game? Look at your own standards buddy

 

[Hawkeye]

This might be true but how many batters in Pakistan and the world can hit Rabada?
Forget Rabada, who many Pakistani players can hit the pacers he did hit to score 60 of 30 vs SA in SA in a must win game? Look at your own standards buddy

Saim did hit Rabada in the first ODI.

I rate him and not Ghulam (vs pace) for some reason. I do want all Pak batters to succeed against and take apart pace bowling but just don’t see that ability in Ghulam.

He’s still a fine prospect, should be given chances and make the team on merit.

 

[Farabi]

Saim did hit Rabada in the first ODI.

I rate him and not Ghulam (vs pace) for some reason. I do want all Pak batters to succeed against and take apart pace bowling but just don’t see that ability in Ghulam.

He’s still a fine prospect, should be given chances and make the team on merit.

I agree. Saim Ayub is a generational talent but you’re not going to have too many more like that.
When a batter is scoring heavily in domestic, it’s the best signal we have, not the perfect signal but the best one we have.
If a batter cannot even dominate Pakistani domestic pacers, they have zero hope at international level.

 

[Abid Z]

He didn’t encounter any good quality pace bowling in the second ODI, where he scored runs.

Rabada was not playing.

I still think he cannot hit pace. He can however do some occasional spin bashing.

“He cannot hit Pace” is a bit strong. I’m sure he can and did. The pace and bounce he is facing in SAF (Rabada or not) is as tough as it gets. Marko Jenson is no slouch. I think we all expect our best players to be good in all conditions against all forms of attack but that is rarely the case. Harry brook at Root no 1 and 2 respectively hammered spin with their eyes closed but just look dumb against Sajid but then blew hot and cold against pace in Newzealand. These are just vagaries of the game. You can’t succeed against varied attacks all the time.

Let’s see how he does going forward.

 

[Mamoon]

The most embarrassing shot I have ever seen. But but but he is better than Babar and should play ahead of Babar in the CT.

@Rana @mominsaigol

 

[mominsaigol]

The most embarrassing shot I have ever seen. But but but he is better than Babar and should play ahead of Babar in the CT.

@Rana @mominsaigol

He's not a lower order slogger brother. He's a solid no 3.

Babar gets put to pull shots more then any other batter in history.

Kamran ghulam has to play at 3.

 

[Hawkeye]

“He cannot hit Pace” is a bit strong. I’m sure he can and did. The pace and bounce he is facing in SAF (Rabada or not) is as tough as it gets. Marko Jenson is no slouch. I think we all expect our best players to be good in all conditions against all forms of attack but that is rarely the case. Harry brook at Root no 1 and 2 respectively hammered spin with their eyes closed but just look dumb against Sajid but then blew hot and cold against pace in Newzealand. These are just vagaries of the game. You can’t succeed against varied attacks all the time.

Let’s see how he does going forward.

You’ll see it soon going forward.

 

[UP]

Probably got a bit too ‘shokhaa’ today.

Should learn the lesson.

 

[Major]

this is why you should not go over the top and make dumb claims after one innings that so and so is better than Babar and Rizwan.

 

[khyberlion]

The most embarrassing shot I have ever seen. But but but he is better than Babar and should play ahead of Babar in the CT.

@Rana @mominsaigol

I like Kamran Ghulam even though he has limitations against pace, but to say he's better than Babar, you have no clue about cricket.

 

[mominsaigol]

this is why you should not go over the top and make dumb claims after one innings that so and so is better than Babar and Rizwan.

Make this comment after a string of failures.

Not after one innings .

It's like you all have amnesia.

 

[Hawkeye]

I like Kamran Ghulam even though he has limitations against pace, but to say he's better than Babar, you have no clue about cricket.

Dude @Mamoon was being sarcastic.

Of course Babar is an established player, a bit out of form and Kamran cannot play ahead of him.

 

[khyberlion]

Dude @Mamoon was being sarcastic.

Of course Babar is an established player, a bit out of form and Kamran cannot play ahead of him.

I know he was. The post wasn't directed at @Mamoon. It was at people who think Kamran Ghulam is better than Babar.

 

[Mamoon]

He's not a lower order slogger brother. He's a solid no 3.

Babar gets put to pull shots more then any other batter in history.

Kamran ghulam has to play at 3.

He is not half the batsman Babar is at any position. It is preposterous to suggest that he should replace Babar in the ODI XI.

At best, he should be his backup in the 15 man squad or compete with Irfan for a place in the playing XI as a finisher. There is no room for him in the top 5-6 and he is not better than Agha or Saud.

 

[mominsaigol]

He is not half the batsman Babar is at any position. It is preposterous to suggest that he should replace Babar in the ODI XI.

At best, he should be his backup in the 15 man squad or compete with Irfan for a place in the playing XI as a finisher. There is no room for him in the top 5-6 and he is not better than Agha or Saud.

And what criteria are using to determine that?

Kamran just started his career. So far he has one test century and one odi century despite not having a set no in the order in pakistan.

Babar has been playing for years and has scored 19 odi centuries, 9 test centuries and one t20 century, followed by a good avg and performances, however babar's career is headed downwards.

Even in the past 2 games, while rizwan, Saim, Kamran have been batting well, Babar has mostly been playing a survival hang in their return to form accumulative innings cause it's clear he's low on confidence.

His innings in the previous 2 games is very similar to kohli and Steve smith recent test centuries in aus, while good, it's clear their at the end of their rope and that Travis head + Jaiswal will feature as Aus and India's main batters now.

Kamran just started si far he's outperformed babar. Ignoring that duck aside his best performances so far which include his 100 vs eng and his 194 sr 64, are >>>>>>>> Any performance babar has achieved this year.

Which is surprising since babar is the same guy who achieved an iconic 100 against the best bowling attack in a wc in 2019.

 

[IAJ]

He's not a lower order slogger brother. He's a solid no 3.

Babar gets put to pull shots more then any other batter in history.

Kamran ghulam has to play at 3.

If they are not bring back Fakhar or any other potential explosive opener, why not open with Babar and Saim and let this guy bat at 3 if he is so solid as you are stating? (genuine question, as I haven't seen Ghulam bat so much at senior level, I remember him from u19s I think).

 

[mominsaigol]

If they are not bring back Fakhar or any other potential explosive opener, why not open with Babar and Saim and let this guy bat at 3 if he is so solid as you are stating? (genuine question, as I haven't seen Ghulam bat so much at senior level, I remember him from u19s I think).

I want fakhar back and want fakhar and saim to open. However let's be completly real with fakhar.

Fakhar has max 2 years left. 2027 is definitely his end. And even then idk if he can last that long.

Kamran ghulam has opened in List A and fc before but mostly he bats at 3.

Problem is Babar's form is trash. It's dreadful atm. Even his back to back 50's, they didn't give signs of a confident batter like saim or heck even rizwan who was keeping up pace.

It felt similar to how kphli and Steve smith scored their test centuries, aka 2 legends who are at the end of their rope. It's clear as day that Travis head and jaiswal are now the new top dogs of their respective countries.

Babar gives similar vibes now. Which is funny since this is the same guy who in his prime would struggle against quality bowling, but if you gave him a rubbish bowler he'd spank you into next week. Wi being the best example.

Pakistan really need to move on from Fakhar, Babar and rizwan from a few formats. Rizwan and babar from t20, Fakhar retirement after 2027

 

[Farabi]

The most embarrassing shot I have ever seen. But but but he is better than Babar and should play ahead of Babar in the CT.

@Rana @mominsaigol

KG shouldn’t be batting ahead of KG, but you can make that point without discrediting a hardworking and deserving cricketer.

I’m a huge Babar fan and consider him one of Pakistan’s finest ODI batters, but I’ve yet to see him replicate what KG did against South Africa in ODIs—scoring at a 220 strike rate within just 10 games.

Let’s appreciate brilliance when we see it; it doesn’t always have to be about picking sides.

 

[Farabi]

He is not half the batsman Babar is at any position. It is preposterous to suggest that he should replace Babar in the ODI XI.

At best, he should be his backup in the 15 man squad or compete with Irfan for a place in the playing XI as a finisher. There is no room for him in the top 5-6 and he is not better than Agha or Saud.

Saud Shakeel is Pakistan’s best test batter right now. But not let’s not make him a holy cow. He looked awful in Australia. Saud averaged only 15.33 in Australia last year.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Name Kamran Ghulam literally means Victorious slave I wonder if Kamran knows his name meaning?

 

[emranabbas]

KG shouldn’t be batting ahead of KG, but you can make that point without discrediting a hardworking and deserving cricketer.

I’m a huge Babar fan and consider him one of Pakistan’s finest ODI batters, but I’ve yet to see him replicate what KG did against South Africa in ODIs—scoring at a 220 strike rate within just 10 games.

Let’s appreciate brilliance when we see it; it doesn’t always have to be about picking sides.

I’ve never seen Babar hit 60 off 30 balls in his entire career, or play at a strike rate of 200 not even against Nepal.

Writing KG off this early is just silly. These are the same people who had written Saim off even before he played a single game, but they claim they have "eye for talent".

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

If he is capable of playing the type of knock he played in the 2nd ODI then he is a really great addition to the line-up. The fact that he is a proper batsman is great because its not necessary that he will always be coming in with 10 or 15 overs remaining. Situational awareness is the key to batting at that position. But he has certainly earned his place in the side on the back of that impressive performance in the 2nd ODI.

 

[Mamoon]

And what criteria are using to determine that?

Kamran just started his career. So far he has one test century and one odi century despite not having a set no in the order in pakistan.

Babar has been playing for years and has scored 19 odi centuries, 9 test centuries and one t20 century, followed by a good avg and performances, however babar's career is headed downwards.

Even in the past 2 games, while rizwan, Saim, Kamran have been batting well, Babar has mostly been playing a survival hang in their return to form accumulative innings cause it's clear he's low on confidence.

His innings in the previous 2 games is very similar to kohli and Steve smith recent test centuries in aus, while good, it's clear their at the end of their rope and that Travis head + Jaiswal will feature as Aus and India's main batters now.

Kamran just started si far he's outperformed babar. Ignoring that duck aside his best performances so far which include his 100 vs eng and his 194 sr 64, are >>>>>>>> Any performance babar has achieved this year.

Which is surprising since babar is the same guy who achieved an iconic 100 against the best bowling attack in a wc in 2019.

The disrespect is hysterical.

People who have a phobia of Babar will latch onto anyone that can offer an alternative no matter how ridiculous it might seem.

Babar is one of the best batsman in Pakistan history. He has 14k+ runs and 31 centuries and he is only 30 years old, and people have the audacity to compare a nobody like Ghulam to him who is the same age and is only 11 matches old in international cricket.

 

[Mamoon]

Saud Shakeel is Pakistan’s best test batter right now. But not let’s not make him a holy cow. He looked awful in Australia. Saud averaged only 15.33 in Australia last year.

A lot of players struggle on their first tours to Australia, England, South Africa etc. Saud in Australia wasn’t any worse than Babar was in Australia in 2016 and Kohli was in England in 2014.

Saud is a quality batsman. In fact, he is the best pure batsman in the country after Babar. I do believe there is room for him in ODIs in the top 4.

 

[Mamoon]

I’ve never seen Babar hit 60 off 30 balls in his entire career, or play at a strike rate of 200 not even against Nepal.

Writing KG off this early is just silly. These are the same people who had written Saim off even before he played a single game, but they claim they have "eye for talent".

Many players can slog their way to a quick fire 50 on a good day. Asif Ali has done it, Iftikhar has done it. There are many others who have done it.

That doesn’t mean you can go around and compare them to someone like a Babar who is already one of best ever batsmen to come out of Pakistan.

We are talking about a player who is only 30 but already has 14k runs and 31 centuries. It is utterly disrespectful to compare him to someone like Kamran who is the same age on the back of 2-3 knocks.

No Pakistan batsman of the last 15-20 years merits a comparison with Babar. His comparison is only with the top 10 Pakistani batsmen of all time.

 

[mominsaigol]

The disrespect is hysterical.

People who have a phobia of Babar will latch onto anyone that can offer an alternative no matter how ridiculous it might seem.

Babar is one of the best batsman in Pakistan history. He has 14k+ runs and 31 centuries and he is only 30 years old, and people have the audacity to compare a nobody like Ghulam to him who is the same age and is only 11 matches old in international cricket.

Yes because despite knocking on the doors of international cricket for ages, he was ignored because PCB thinks it's funny to draft in world cup openers with only 7 List A games + 15 Fc games and a talent for breaking the record of no of ducks scored in a year.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes because despite knocking on the doors of international cricket for ages, he was ignored because PCB thinks it's funny to draft in world cup openers with only 7 List A games + 15 Fc games and a talent for breaking the record of no of ducks scored in a year.

Whether he should have been selected earlier or not is a different story. The fact remains that it is comical to draw comparisons between him and Babar when he is only 11 matches old in international cricket.

Let him play at least 30 Tests and 100 LOIs to draw any comparisons between the two, otherwise you will end up in a situation where you labeled Rizwan one of the worst captains in Pakistan history without him captaining a single game at that point.

 

[mominsaigol]

Whether he should have been selected earlier or not is a different story. The fact remains that it is comical to draw comparisons between him and Babar when he is only 11 matches old in international cricket.

Let him play at least 30 Tests and 100 LOIs to draw any comparisons between the two, otherwise you will end up in a situation where you labeled Rizwan one of the worst captains in Pakistan history without him captaining a single game at that point.

I'll wait until Kamran finishes his career.

 

[Mamoon]

I'll wait until Kamran finishes his career.

Okay. You might not have to wait long.

 

[mominsaigol]

Okay. You might not have to wait long.

Genuine question. Do you rate KG or not? Forget bobby comparisons or saud comparisons.

Atm kg has been better then saud in odi but worse in tests.

But do you rate him yes or no? And if no then why? Technique issue? Or playstyle issues?

 

[Mamoon]

Genuine question. Do you rate KG or not? Forget bobby comparisons or saud comparisons.

Atm kg has been better then saud in odi but worse in tests.

But do you rate him yes or no? And if no then why? Technique issue? Or playstyle issues?

He is decent enough to be part of the squad but I don’t think he deserves to be a permanent member of the playing XI.

I feel people are overhyping him because they want to latch onto anyone that can potentially replace Babar.

He is a backup number 3/4/5 in ODIs but I wouldn’t mind him playing above Irfan as a finisher.

His preference might been 3 or 4 but you don’t always get to bat where you want in international cricket. You need to adapt.

I want Saud at 4 with Rizwan dropping down to 5 and Agha at 6.

 

[mominsaigol]

He is decent enough to be part of the squad but I don’t think he deserves to be a permanent member of the playing XI.

I feel people are overhyping him because they want to latch onto anyone that can potentially replace Babar.

He is a backup number 3/4/5 in ODIs but I wouldn’t mind him playing above Irfan as a finisher.

His preference might been 3 or 4 but you don’t always get to bat where you want in international cricket. You need to adapt.

I want Saud at 4 with Rizwan dropping down to 5 and Agha at 6.

Fair take.

Can I ask why saud? Stats wise he's been poor in odi. I want saud for the sake of backing him since I've seen him play tests and know full well he can replicate his test performances in odi.

But so far it's just argument from belief.

 

[emranabbas]

Many players can slog their way to a quick fire 50 on a good day. Asif Ali has done it, Iftikhar has done it. There are many others who have done it.

Among all the players, Babar isn’t one of those who can fire a quick 50 not even on a good day.

In fact, his slow batting has often cost Pakistan more games than he’s actually won. By failing to maintain the required scoring rate, Babar has repeatedly handed the momentum to the opposition, who have capitalized on it and gone on to win.

On top of that, he’s tried to turn every middle-order batsman into a slogger, forcing them to make up for the mess created by his inability to keep the scoreboard ticking. This approach has led to poor performances from the middle order, as incoming batsmen are left with no choice but to take risky shots to catch up.

Babar’s batting style and leadership have been a major reason why Pakistan has struggled to develop a strong middle-order batsman since he took over as captain.

That doesn’t mean you can go around and compare them to someone like a Babar who is already one of best ever batsmen to come out of Pakistan.

We are talking about a player who is only 30 but already has 14k runs and 31 centuries. It is utterly disrespectful to compare him to someone like Kamran who is the same age on the back of 2-3 knocks.

No Pakistan batsman of the last 15-20 years merits a comparison with Babar. His comparison is only with the top 10 Pakistani batsmen of all time.

If you tell any player to go out there, play it safe, defend their wicket, and occasionally hit a classy cover drive, and not to worry about winning any matches for 4 continuous years, we could produce plenty of players like Babar.

 

[Rana]

this is why you should not go over the top and make dumb claims after one innings that so and so is better than Babar and Rizwan.

But he is 100% better than Babar and Rizwan

Ask those frauds to bat at 5 and 6 and do the power hitting

 

[mominsaigol]

But he is 100% better than Babar and Rizwan

Ask those frauds to bat at 5 and 6 and do the power hitting

These boys have been ultra aggressive recently after remaining quiet for eons.

 

[Rana]

These boys have been ultra aggressive recently after remaining quiet for eons.

They know they are being dishonest

Play Kamran in his position at 3-4 and watch him bat more fluently with the right intent than Babar

Play Babar and Rizwan in those compromised positions at 6/7 where guys like Kamran, Salman and Tayyab are being shifted around and then see these jokers look like club cricketers

 

[emranabbas]

These boys have been ultra aggressive recently after remaining quiet for eons.

don't worry they will have a reality check when Pakistan starts playing full strength sides.

 

[mominsaigol]

But he is 100% better than Babar and Rizwan

Ask those frauds to bat at 5 and 6 and do the power hitting

These boys have been ultra aggressive recently after remaining quiet for eons.

 

[Sycamore]

Pakistan fans after Ghulam scores 60 odd - He's amazing, world beater, better than babar

Pakistan fans after a 0 next match - Drop him, worst player ever....

 

[Rana]

Pakistan fans after Ghulam scores 60 odd - He's amazing, world beater, better than babar

Pakistan fans after a 0 next match - Drop him, worst player ever....

Because most of them don’t like a player exposing their 2 favourites

I’m surprised they didn’t claim it was Rizwan and Babar who mentored Kamran for the innings of 60 off 30

 

[Abid Z]

Because most of them don’t like a player exposing their 2 favourites

I’m surprised they didn’t claim it was Rizwan and Babar who mentored Kamran for the innings of 60 off 30

Or it simply could be that in tests Babar and Rizwan are world class and well established. Saud and salman are also fantastic. That’s 4 positions filled. The headache ought to be who will fill the remaining 2 places if saim and Shan take the opening slot. It’s just not fair to compare KG to any of these players but he might try to establish himself in Odis first. It’s a great headache to have players like kg ready and waiting. A strong bench is no bad thing. But you constantly suggest babar our best batsman should make way due to a recent dip in form. That’s fair but let’s wait a little. He looks in great touch.

 

[Rana]

Babar and Rizwan are world class and well established

Well no. You don’t lose 6/9 games in a 50 over World Cup with a well established world class 3 and 4

 

[Abid Z]

Well no. You don’t lose 6/9 games in a 50 over World Cup with a well established world class 3 and 4

Tests. Then Odi in importance.

T20 are purely experimental

In tests there is a very established middle order but the top is a little unsettled. I don’t mind having Kg getting an occasional game.

In Odi also a case can be made for KG to get an occasional game. (Pak don’t play anywhere near as much test cricket as they should). Odi is really the only format he is likely to get international exposure.

In t20 I just don’t see the point of Rizwan or babar.

 

[mominsaigol]

don't worry they will have a reality check when Pakistan starts playing full strength sides.

Unlike these frauds. I and I'm 100% sure @Rana wants the best for pakistan.

The best for pakistan is not babar on current form at no 3

 

[Rana]

Tests. Then Odi in importance.

T20 are purely experimental

In tests there is a very established middle order but the top is a little unsettled. I don’t mind having Kg getting an occasional game.

In Odi also a case can be made for KG to get an occasional game. (Pak don’t play anywhere near as much test cricket as they should). Odi is really the only format he is likely to get international exposure.

In t20 I just don’t see the point of Rizwan or babar.

Pakistan absolutely flunked it in the 50 over World Cup. Their ‘world class’ middle order went missing every time they needed them in crucial games. It never worked once as a unit. The odd individual performance here and there.


I can understand you claiming Babar is a world class number 3, it makes sense. But how is Rizwan an established world class number 4?

 

[Rana]

A world class 3 and 4 gets you through to the semis of a 10 team World Cup where everyone plays each other, not lose 5 games out of which one win was due to DLS having only bowled 20 overs. The other wins were against NL, Bangladesh and SL

 

[sweep_shot]

Kamran has been decent so far.

One of the best batters from Pakistan currently.

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

A world class 3 and 4 gets you through to the semis of a 10 team World Cup where everyone plays each other, not lose 5 games out of which one win was due to DLS having only bowled 20 overs. The other wins were against NL, Bangladesh and SL

Conveniently forgetting that they came the closest to beating India the home side who were undefeated until the final.

 

[Abid Z]

Pakistan absolutely flunked it in the 50 over World Cup. Their ‘world class’ middle order went missing every time they needed them in crucial games. It never worked once as a unit. The odd individual performance here and there.


I can understand you claiming Babar is a world class number 3, it makes sense. But how is Rizwan an established world class number 4?

So we can agree Rizwan deserves a spot but disagree on where Rizwan bats but that would be another thread. Right now we are discussing Kg and we are not disagreeing he’s a good player.

Your view is he should be shoved into a lineup at the cost of Rizwan or babar. I think he should be benched except for the occasional dead rubber or unless we find a space for him at the top but I don’t see how in tests. In odi he’s a certainty. It’s a good headache to have

I actually think he should come in for abdullah in ODI WITH SAIM.

 

[Rana]

So we can agree Rizwan deserves a spot but disagree on where Rizwan bats but that would be another thread. Right now we are discussing Kg and we are not disagreeing he’s a good player.

Your view is he should be shoved into a lineup at the cost of Rizwan or babar. I think he should be benched except for the occasional dead rubber or unless we find a space for him at the top but I don’t see how in tests. In odi he’s a certainty. It’s a good headache to have

I actually think he should come in for abdullah in ODI WITH SAIM.

Never had any issues with Rizwan in ODIs and Tests as a player, my issue with him is his big mouth and the influence he uses through media+Pr agency, and key stakeholders in the PCB to get the team to be shaped around him….as if he is the most important component.

No issues with Rizwan at 6 or 7 like most keepers. Klaasen is at least twice the player Rizwan is, never seen him moan about batting higher up the order for SA.

My view is that if you want a solid middle order (3,4,5), then yes he needs to be one of the two in 3 and 4. Rizwan in the mix would make any middle order look vulnerable. He’s not as good as he’s being made out to be.

Your middle order has to be 3 proper batsmen, not guys who are handicapped on where their scoring ranges are,

Babar, Kamran, Saud: that’s a proper middle order

Babar, Saud, Kamran: no issues with this too

Babar, Tayyab, Agha: another decent middle order with balance

Why does the joker Rizwan need to be cemented at 4 to unbalance your side with guys like Tayyab going at 7??

 

[mominsaigol]

Never had any issues with Rizwan in ODIs and Tests as a player, my issue with him is his big mouth and the influence he uses through media+Pr agency, and key stakeholders in the PCB to get the team to be shaped around him….as if he is the most important component.

No issues with Rizwan at 6 or 7 like most keepers. Klaasen is at least twice the player Rizwan is, never seen him moan about batting higher up the order for SA.

My view is that if you want a solid middle order (3,4,5), then yes he needs to be one of the two in 3 and 4. Rizwan in the mix would make any middle order look vulnerable. He’s not as good as he’s being made out to be.

Your middle order has to be 3 proper batsmen, not guys who are handicapped on where their scoring ranges are,

Babar, Kamran, Saud: that’s a proper middle order

Babar, Saud, Kamran: no issues with this too

Babar, Tayyab, Agha: another decent middle order with balance

Why does the joker Rizwan need to be cemented at 4 to unbalance your side with guys like Tayyab going at 7??

He’s not as good as he’s being made out to be.

This, people think a few good games of cricket followed by rubbish serial failures makes for a world class top order batter.

A player with huge technical weaknesses will never be a successful cricketer.

Only in Pakistan can a player with only 4 rubbish test centuries at home, followed by 3 odi centuries, followed by one of the biggest clownish sr's in t20 be considered an all format world class goat.

Rizwan is an avg player in test, below avg in odi and atrocious in t20.

 

[Abid Z]

Never had any issues with Rizwan in ODIs and Tests as a player, my issue with him is his big mouth and the influence he uses through media+Pr agency, and key stakeholders in the PCB to get the team to be shaped around him….as if he is the most important component.

No issues with Rizwan at 6 or 7 like most keepers. Klaasen is at least twice the player Rizwan is, never seen him moan about batting higher up the order for SA.

My view is that if you want a solid middle order (3,4,5), then yes he needs to be one of the two in 3 and 4. Rizwan in the mix would make any middle order look vulnerable. He’s not as good as he’s being made out to be.

Your middle order has to be 3 proper batsmen, not guys who are handicapped on where their scoring ranges are,

Babar, Kamran, Saud: that’s a proper middle order

Babar, Saud, Kamran: no issues with this too

Babar, Tayyab, Agha: another decent middle order with balance

Why does the joker Rizwan need to be cemented at 4 to unbalance your side with guys like Tayyab going at 7??

Ok look. Not many people know or care about Rizwans big mouth or influences. That’s a separate topic.

You already agree for odi and tests especially rizwan should come down the order. Nobody disagrees with this even the management who had him batting at 6 for the England tests. He’s beginning to come lower down also in Odi’s. But these are separate topics.

About KG he has a bit of distance to go before he cements himself as a top order player. In place of Abdullah perhaps with Shan and Saim opening and kg at 3. But let’s see

 

[Mamoon]

Among all the players, Babar isn’t one of those who can fire a quick 50 not even on a good day.

In fact, his slow batting has often cost Pakistan more games than he’s actually won. By failing to maintain the required scoring rate, Babar has repeatedly handed the momentum to the opposition, who have capitalized on it and gone on to win.

On top of that, he’s tried to turn every middle-order batsman into a slogger, forcing them to make up for the mess created by his inability to keep the scoreboard ticking. This approach has led to poor performances from the middle order, as incoming batsmen are left with no choice but to take risky shots to catch up.

Babar’s batting style and leadership have been a major reason why Pakistan has struggled to develop a strong middle-order batsman since he took over as captain.


If you tell any player to go out there, play it safe, defend their wicket, and occasionally hit a classy cover drive, and not to worry about winning any matches for 4 continuous years, we could produce plenty of players like Babar.

Absolute nonsense. A lot of cricket fans have lost their marbles because of an over consumption of T20 cricket. They start getting hissy fits whenever a batsman bats at less than a SR of 100 in ODIs.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with how Babar bats in ODIs. He is a world class ODI batsman. There is a lot more to ODI batting than slogging a quick 50-60. Having batsmen who can bat through the innings and score big will always have great value in the ODI format.

It is a laughable myth that anyone can bat the way Babar and Rizwan do and score runs. You are kidding yourself if you think the brainless hacks that Pakistan have played over the years have the technique and temperament to bat like this and score runs. They cannot because they are not good enough.

Babar is doing his part and has done his part for the most part in his career. It is not his fault that Pakistan are unable to produce competent hitters who can do their part down the order.

 

[Abid Z]

Absolute nonsense. A lot of cricket fans have lost their marbles because of an over consumption of T20 cricket. They start getting hissy fits whenever a batsman bats at less than a SR of 100 in ODIs.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with how Babar bats in ODIs. He is a world class ODI batsman. There is a lot more to ODI batting than slogging a quick 50-60. Having batsmen who can bat through the innings and score big will always have great value in the ODI format.

It is a laughable myth that anyone can bat the way Babar and Rizwan do and score runs. You are kidding yourself if you think the brainless hacks that Pakistan have played over the years have the technique and temperament to bat like this and score runs. They cannot because they are not good enough.

Babar is doing his part and has done his part for the most part in his career. It is not his fault that Pakistan are unable to produce competent hitters who can do their part down the order.

You are right except KG is not a useless hack. He’s a good player fighting for a spot. Right now his place is the bench or carrying drinks. He will have to prove that he can take any spot in the lineup let alone that of babar, Saud Rizwan or Salman. It’s laughable to compare him with these 4.

That leaves a 6, 7 or a 1, 2 spot. But saim or Shan are not giving way. So In either Odi or tests KG will get limited chances but we should just accept that the bench looks strong which is the first thing Pak needs to challenge top teams.

 

[gazza619]

I hope KG bats his natural game going forward and doesnt look for those cameos unless absolutely necessary.

I would love to see him open in tests against SA

 

[Abid Z]

I hope KG bats his natural game going forward and doesnt look for those cameos unless absolutely necessary.

I would love to see him open in tests against SA

He most likely will alongside Saim then Shan

 

[Kianig89]

Rizwan sold him yesterday by pressuring to hit from ball 1, otherwise he is a capable batsman more suited at No. 4

 

[shamaan]

I will pick Kamran over Saud in the number 5 position.