Haris Rauf Advocates for Patience with Pakistan’s Young Talent Amid Series Defeat
Pakistan’s T20I series against New Zealand has been a turbulent start for their revamped squad, with back-to-back losses in the first two matches. Fast bowler Haris Rauf has stepped forward to defend the team’s young top order, urging critics to give them time to grow.
Rauf’s Plea: “10-15 Matches to Become Players”
After Pakistan’s 5-wicket loss in Dunedin, Rauf emphasized the need for patience with newcomers like Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, and Irfan Khan, who have struggled in the opening games:
- “Criticism is common in Pakistan”: Rauf criticized the quick backlash against young players, stating, “Everyone sits and waits for the team to lose just to talk about it.”
- Global Precedent: Highlighted that top teams give youngsters “10-15 matches at a stretch” to adapt to international cricket.
- Senior Support: Stressed seniors’ role in mentoring youth to accelerate their learning curve.
New Zealand Series: Top-Order Woes & Bowling Struggles
Pakistan’s experimental lineup, excluding veterans Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, has faltered:
- 1st T20I: Skittled for 91 in Christchurch.
- 2nd T20I: Managed 135/9 in a rain-shortened 15-over game.
- Bowling Challenges: Despite Rauf’s 2/20, Shaheen Afridi (3-0-31-0) and Mohammad Ali (2-0-34-0) struggled. Rauf cited bad luck (edges flying for sixes) but credited NZ’s aggressive batting.
The decline in Pakistan Cricket: Rauf’s Candid Admission
Rauf acknowledged Pakistan’s recent slump but expressed confidence in a rebuild:
- “Our Cricket Has Declined”: Admitted regression post their Champions Trophy group-stage exit.
- Rebuilding Phase: Emphasized experimenting with combinations and learning from failures.
- Captaincy Shift: New skipper Salman Agha faces pressure to balance youth and experience.
Path Forward: Balancing Patience & Performance
With three T20Is remaining, Pakistan aims to turn the tide:
- Youth Development: Persist with newcomers despite early setbacks.
- Senior Guidance: Veterans like Rauf and Shaheen must lead by example.
- Fan Expectations: Managing criticism while fostering a supportive environment.
Key Quotes from Haris Rauf
- “These are young players. You go to any team in the world, they give youngsters full freedom.”
- “We are trying to draft youngsters in; the seniors are motivating them. The quicker they learn, the better.”
- “There will come a day when you’ll see good cricket from Pakistan.”
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s gamble on youth is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. While losses sting, Rauf’s call for patience underscores a long-term vision. The coming matches will test whether this approach can reignite Pakistan’s cricketing fire.
Join the Debate: Should Pakistan stick with youngsters or recall seniors? Share your views using #Pakyouthcricket.
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