Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja provided valuable insights into the challenges facing the Pakistani cricket team amidst demanding series against Australia, where the Men in Green lost the first Test by a massive margin of 360 runs.
While talking on his YouTube channel Raja emphasized the need for strategic improvements in leadership, batting, and bowling roles to tackle the forthcoming challenges.
He stressed the importance of hard work for Shan Masood, the designated captain and suggested him to make a strong statement with his bat to solidify his position both within the dressing room and against the opposition.
“Shan Masood needs hard work as a captain, as a leader, because this is going to be tough series for him. Until he gives a statement with his bat, he won’t be able to establish himself in the dressing room or on the opposition,” Raja said.
Acknowledging the challenges of captaincy transition, Raja advised providing encouragement and support to Babar Azam. The former cricketer stressed the need to boost Babar’s morale to ensure he continues to perform at his best.
“Similarly, Babar Azam needs to be seated and encouraged because when captaincy is taken away from you, you tend to go low [on motivation],” he further added.
Raja also called for a transformation in the role of fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. He urged Afridi to step up as a leader in the bowling department and highlighted the need for Afridi to create a lasting impression and become the leading force in the team’s bowling lineup.
“Shaheen Afridi needs to come out as a lethal bowler. It’s not that he plays as a filler. Conditions in Australia are much better. If you can’t create magic, especially in Perth, then your established impression in this circuit gets hurt. He needs to become the leader of the pack,” he added.
Lastly, Raja called for a reevaluation of Sarfaraz Ahmed’s role in the team, particularly in facing top-paced bowling in Australian conditions.
“We need to reaccess Sarfaraz’s role again. I think, facing top pace bowling in Australia will be challenging with the bat for him. Pakistan needs to quickly assess whether to play Sarfaraz because we need his all-round ability, not only as a keeper behind the stumps but also as a batsman, or do we play Rizwan because he plays pace bowling well,” he concluded.
