NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has expressed his happiness over Mohammad Rizwan’s appointment as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter began his captaincy tenure on a profitable notice, main Pakistan to a historic sequence victory in Australia throughout a three-match ODI sequence.
After dropping the opener on the Melbourne Cricket Floor by two wickets, Pakistan made a robust comeback with commanding victories within the Adelaide and Perth ODIs, sealing the sequence 2-1. This marked Pakistan’s first sequence win in Australia since 2002.
Haider, who represented Pakistan in a single Check, 4 ODIs and three T20Is between 2007 and 2010, in contrast Rizwan’s captaincy type to that of India’s legendary skipper MS Dhoni.
Rizwan was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain forward of the tour of Australia.
“A wicketkeeper-captain is a giant assist for a staff. MS Dhoni is the prime instance. Adam Gilchrist was there, and Kumar Sangakkara was there too. A wicketkeeper is the one participant within the enjoying eleven who has a 360-degree view of the sector. He can help the bowler in setting the sector. Rizwan is doing the identical. He’s an efficient batter, a very good wicketkeeper, and now, a captain. This might help the staff immensely. We noticed that in Australia, the place he performed a giant function within the staff’s win. Pakistan ought to have taken this step a very long time in the past,” Haider informed TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview.
“Rizwan is following in Dhoni’s footsteps. When you look intently, the way in which he units the sector, guides the bowlers and encourages gamers, he offers a glimpse of the legendary Dhoni. Now that Rizwan is the captain, the boys should be on the identical web page and help him. Pakistan must again Rizwan the way in which Staff India supported Dhoni,” he added.
Haider additionally emphasised how Babar has benefited from relinquishing the captaincy.
“Babar Azam was overburdened — first with the captaincy, then the staff’s efficiency, and at last his batting. The second he gave up captaincy, his batting improved. Now we will see him enjoying freely, with none burden. This could occur to any participant; it occurred with Virat Kohli too. So we have to help gamers of such stature. Rizwan and Babar are good pals, they usually complement one another properly,” Haider stated.
The sequence additionally highlighted the brilliance of Pakistan’s pacer Haris Rauf, who claimed 10 wickets in three matches, together with a five-wicket haul. Haris earned two ‘Participant of the Match’ awards and was named ‘Participant of the Sequence’ for his excellent efficiency.
Haider credited Haris’ progress as a bowler to his expertise of bowling in opposition to Virat Kohli through the 2022 T20 World Cup. Kohli had hit two memorable sixes off Haris in a vital over, serving to India safe a four-wicket win.
“Haris Rauf is a mature and skilled bowler. He has taken his sport to a different degree, and again and again, he has proved himself. The over he bowled to Virat Kohli — I’m certain he realized so much from that. Bowling to Virat has made Haris Rauf a extra mature bowler. That was an enormous studying curve in his profession, and I’m sure he took many classes from that match,” Haider stated.
“Haris was trolled, however he didn’t quit and got here again stronger. His kind in opposition to Australia was commendable, and it was nice to see him again in excellent contact,” he added.
‘LET’S KEEP POLITICS ASIDE’
Haider additionally voiced his ideas on India-Pakistan cricket relations and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
“India ought to come to Pakistan. Let’s overlook the whole lot and begin afresh,” he stated.
“Followers love India vs Pakistan cricket matches greater than the rest on this world. Let’s love the sport, not politics. Politics shouldn’t come between gamers and the game. This may assist cricket develop. I request each the BCCI and PCB to bridge the hole and play cricket the way in which we used to,” Haider signed off.
