The exclusion of the wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Haris, from Pakistan’s squad for the New Zealand T20I series raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
The decision, purportedly to grant Haris a break, has ignited a flurry of discussions regarding the rationale behind sidelining the emerging talent.
Renowned for his explosive batting prowess, the 22-year-old quickly carved a niche as one of the most promising T20 batters, leaving an indelible mark in leagues worldwide. Fans eagerly anticipated his fearless batting in New Zealand’s conditions.
However, delving deeper into Haris’s recent cricketing journey reveals a peculiar narrative. Despite his burgeoning potential, his appearances have been sporadic – a lone match during the Asia Cup, traveling as a reserve for the World Cup 2023 squad, and participation in the National T20 Cup. His lack of competitive cricket over the past few months accentuates the enigma surrounding his enforced rest.
Rested or Dropped?
The decision to bench a player who hasn’t been actively engaged in playtime contrasts sharply with the continued inclusion of others who’ve been on the grind. The cases of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, consistently immersed in cricketing action, raise questions about the selective approach toward resting players. Naseem’s injury after a stretch of continuous cricket and Shaheen’s struggle with form and fitness highlight the potential pitfalls of unrelenting participation without respite.
The exclusion of Mohammad Haris, juxtaposed against these instances, sparks debates about player management strategies. Does rest serve best when attributed to those tirelessly engaged, or does it bypass those in need? The decision-making process, in this context, appears a conundrum, leaving cricket enthusiasts pondering over the fine line between strategic rest and missed opportunities.
As the discourse unfolds, the exclusion of this dynamic talent resonates as a pivotal moment prompting contemplation over squad selection and player welfare in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
Fans reaction over the exclusion of Mohammad Haris
M Haris should stop playing the way he does if he wants to continue to play for this country. They value average more than Sr here.
— haris. (@hariszz77) December 19, 2023
In the last two years, 325 batters in the world have scored 500 runs in T20s. There is no one from Pakistan in Top 49 in terms of strike-rate. On 50th place you have Mohammad Haris (SR 151.96), who was also by far the best striker in PSL this year (350 runs at SR 186.17).…
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 19, 2023
So, Fakhar Zaman is part of Squad despite being an average t20i player. But Muhammad Haris couldn't get in even after being the Best performer. "DOSTI YAARI ZINDABAD" #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/c48GPBl1mb
— SAAD 🇵🇰 (@SaadIrfan258) December 19, 2023
Dropping Haris is a crazy decision.
He has a PSL Strike Rate of 180+. One of the BEST in PSL history.
Have selection committee forgot what he did at the T20 World Cup?
Whilst our senior players Babar and Rizwan failed continuously, it was young Haris who stepped up.#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/f9R4ebtOwz
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 19, 2023
Mohammad Haris' SR in the PSL was 180+ and his overall SR in the year 2023 was 153.29 – only Azam Khan has a better SR than him this year in T20s (min. 500 runs).
978 runs in 38 inns, 52 sixes & 95 fours
He has been "rested" by our visionary selection committee.#NZvPAK
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) December 19, 2023
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