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DUBAI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson opened up on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s strike rates amid the debate surrounding their style of play and the modern-day requirements of T20I cricket.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not part of Pakistan’s shorter format plans, with their previous appearance in the T20Is coming in December 2024 against South Africa.
Both players, who have captained Pakistan in T20Is, were left out of the team despite being the most successful pair in the shorter version of the game.
Speaking to the reporters in the pre-match press conference, Hesson addressed the debate surrounding the ace duo’s strike rates.
“I think being honest in your assessment of players is important. What matters is coming from a place with no agenda, being objective, and being clear. I haven’t talked about anyone’s frailties specifically, but I have alluded to the demands of the modern game,” he said.
“The strike rates required in the powerplay, especially in good conditions, are different now than they used to be. Players ask for honesty—they want to know what they need to work on. If you provide that feedback, there’s always a way back for them, ” Hesson explained.
He emphasized honesty and team requirements, mentioning that it’s players’ responsibility to improve in certain areas.
“It’s not about liking a player or having a relationship with them; it’s about being honest about their role and what the team needs. Then it’s up to the players to work on those areas. That’s what I ask of anyone, whether they’re current players or trying to fight their way back into the team,” the coach said.
Mike Hesson highlighted team totals, stressing team team-first approach while noting that all other factors like strike rates, averages, and six counts are secondary.
“For me, it’s about the sum of the parts. What does the team achieve on the day, and is it good enough? Sometimes 150 is a winning score, sometimes 190 isn’t. It’s about assessing what’s required to win and whether we can get above that. That’s all that matters—not averages, not strike rates, not six counts,” he concluded.
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