Currently there’s a problem of plenty when it comes to spinners
SLAO
Imad Wasim
Mohammad Nawaz
Zafar Gohar
Leg spinner
Shadab Khan
Usman Qadir
Zahid Mahmood
Key Points
- Out of the 6 spinners, 4 can bat, and Usman can hold the bat
- Imad and Nawaz can open the bowling in the PP
- Shadab and Nawaz are brilliant fielders
For T20s, we have great options at our disposal. The presence of competition for the bowling slots has meant that places that were once permanent (Imad and Shadab) are now under threat.
I have no issue with competition, but one must look at what these spinners can do as well, and what their strengths are.
Imad and Nawaz are probably two competitors who are alike in many ways. Both are new ball spinners who can be employed in the powerplay. Imad is a darter (gets marginal spin, but skids the ball onto the bat.), whereas Nawaz is more of a genuine spinner (flights the ball, gets spin). Both are very economical, though Imad has performed at the center stage in international games against better oppositions. Imad's batting is also superior to that of Nawaz, so there's that element present as well. Another option for a spin-bowling all-rounder is Zafar Gohar, who's young and looks to be a wicket-taking bowler. He hasn't gotten much PSL exposure, but he should be getting it this season. He can hit a few balls, and is also an option who can be utilized both in the powerplay and in the middle-overs. Lastly, Shadab is the other option for a spin-bowling all-rounder. He's a wrist spinner, and his T20I record is pretty impressive. His returns with the bat are good as well, and he's on par or slightly above with Imad with regards to his batting.
Both Usman and Zahid are pure spinners (Usman is not going to win you a game with the bat, so he shouldn't be treated as such). Usman flights the ball quite a bit, and it makes him hittable. He has good control of his variations, and has bowled well in recent times. Zahid is another good option, he has good control over his variations too and bowls quicker than Qadir, and flatter too. The PSL will determine who gets ahead of one another, because right now, both are on par. Form will dictate their selections.
If you were to ask me to take three of these spinners, I'd say we're a bit spoiled for options.
You could take Imad, Shadab, and Zahid, and you wouldn't do badly.
Similarly, you could opt for Nawaz, Zafar, and Usman, and that wouldn't be bad either.
Hence, with the lack of information available to make a decision right now, we will need to use form as a determinant.
One thing is for sure, the comfort which Imad and Shadab have felt in their respective roles will be significantly less now, because the competition is at an all-time high.
If you want my honest prediction, I think Imad and Shadab will push themselves higher up the order (Shadab comes in at 3-4 usually, but Imad will come higher) to pass off as better batsmen. In a team that's struggling in the batting department, that's how they will make room for themselves.
A problem of plenty has emerged with our spin attack, that's for sure.
After the PSL, it might emerge with our pace attack too.
