The appointment of Shan Masood as Test captain came with high expectations, but his tenure has been underwhelming. While he is a technically sound batter, his leadership has left much to be desired. Two key reasons highlight why Pakistan should consider a change in captaincy.
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Shan Masood Lacks Consistency
A captain should lead by example, especially in a format as demanding as Test cricket. However, Masood’s performances with the bat have been inconsistent. While he has played a few impressive innings, he has struggled to maintain form over a series. A captain who cannot cement his place in the team based on performance alone struggles to command the respect and confidence of his teammates. Pakistan needs a leader who is not only tactically strong but also reliable with the bat, setting the tone for the rest of the lineup.
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Failure to Capitalize Against the Tail
One of the biggest criticisms of Masood’s captaincy has been Pakistan’s repeated failures to dismiss lower-order batsmen. On multiple occasions, teams have recovered from precarious positions due to Pakistan’s inability to wipe off the tail. Masood’s unimaginative field placements have allowed opposition teams to extend their innings and pile on crucial runs. This weakness has cost Pakistan dearly in Test matches, turning potentially winnable games into frustrating losses.