Pak must look beyond Inzy

Pak were trounced by India in the ODIs. India was clearly a far superior side to Pak. The absence of Afridi and Shoaib made a huge difference to Pak and the final result. On the other hand, India won in style without three of their top players, Sachin, Viru and Pathan.

I think its time for Pak to think beyond Inzy for the ODIs. Even with the return of Shoaib and Afridi, I think Pak will enhance its chances in the World Cup if it can forge a new team without Inzy. This is in no way a reflection on Inzy’s form.

One day cricket has become extremely competitive. Fielding standards have improved dramatically. Batting demands adaptability, and often requires unconventional approaches. Inzy is no longer the devastating player he used to be. Besides he is a horrible runner and a below average fielder. One is tempted to compare him to Sachin, but lets not forget that Sachin is a very useful bowler, a decent fielder and excellent runner between wickets.

All rounders are the first preference when it comes to a place in any ODI 11. Specialist bowlers and batsman are very few and almost all of them are exceptionally good in their core competency area (e., batting or bowling) and are far above average in the fielding dept. if not exceptional.

I think a team under a Younis Khan makes sense though many question his presence in the team. But I think he has the potential to be Pak’s Rahul Dravid. He is an excellent fielder and good runner between wickets and appears to be a good captain. I think Pak’s team should be as follows:

Kamran
Shoaib Malik
Razzack
Younis Khan
Mohd Younus
Faisal Iqbal (or someone who is an excellent fielder and batsman)
Afridi
Naved Hassan
Shoaib Akthar
Sami
Mohd Asif

Its a tough call, but if Pak have to stand a chance in the next world cup, its time for them to take a bold step forward.