Who Should Lead Pakistan on the New Zealand Tour? Captaincy Choices for the T20I & ODI Series

First of all, it must be clearly understood that the biggest factor in creating rift in Pakistani players is appointing two separate players as captains of the T20I and ODI versions of the game.

For appointing the captain of this young and new look Pakistani T20I & ODI squads, the ideal choice should be someone who has leadership qualities, experience in high-pressure situations, and a solid track record in both the versions of cricket. Based on these criteria, here are my observations on the following three players: 

1. Naseem Shah (Fast Bowler and a successful lower order batter) 

– Already has international experience and has played crucial roles during matches in all the versions of the game.

– Respected by senior and junior players alike for his work ethic and composed temperament. 

– A fast-bowling captain, which is rare in Pakistan but could bring a fresh perspective. 

2. Mohammad Wasim Jr. (Fast bowler and a dependable lower order batter)

– A utility player who contributes with both bat and ball. 

– Has a strong cricketing brain and has been part of Pakistan’s setup for some time. 

– His calm and composed nature under pressure makes him a captaincy candidate. 

3. Shadab Khan has experience leading Pakistan in T20Is and is one of the most accomplished all-rounders (batting. fielding and bowling) in the squad. However, appointing him as the permanent captain comes with certain concerns and weak points:

1. Inconsistent Form

– His recent performances with both bat and ball have been inconsistent. 

– Struggles to deliver match-winning performances consistently, which is crucial for a captain. 

2. Fitness Issues 

– Has suffered multiple injuries in the past, leading to frequent absences from the team. 

 – A captain needs to be available consistently, and his fitness concerns raise doubts about his long-term leadership. 

3. Tactical Limitations 

– While he has captained Pakistan in some matches, his tactical decisions have been questioned, especially in high-pressure situations. 

– Has sometimes struggled with field placements and bowling changes at critical moments. 

4. Struggles Under Pressure

– As a leader, he has shown signs of struggling in crunch moments. 

– Pakistan needs a captain who remains composed and can turn the game around, especially in tough situations. 

5. Not a Guaranteed Starter 

– Given his recent dip in form, he is no longer an automatic selection in the playing XI. 

– A captain should be one of the first names on the team sheet, but if his performance continues to decline, dropping him as a player would create unnecessary leadership confusion. 

Conclusion
While Shadab has leadership experience, Pakistan might benefit from appointing a young, in-form player who is a guaranteed starter and can lead the team with fresh energy.