Shan Masood, the current captain of Pakistan’s Test cricket team, is facing one of the toughest phases of his career. After a shocking defeat to Bangladesh last weekend, the pressure on Masood has intensified, and the critics are growing louder, questioning his ability to lead the team.
Masood took over the captaincy from Babar Azam in December 2023. His first assignment as captain was a challenging three-match series in Australia. But things haven’t gone according to plan, and Masood is yet to taste victory as a captain.
So far, he has lost his first four Tests—a record that no Pakistani captain would want to hold. The most recent defeat was particularly painful, as it came at home against Bangladesh on a flat pitch, with the visitors winning by ten wickets.
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The Defeat That Stings
This loss to Bangladesh was a tough pill to swallow. It wasn’t just the defeat itself, but the manner in which it happened. Pakistan’s performance was dismal with some questionable decisions on the field.
Shan Masood tried to explain the missteps—like picking four fast bowlers as a precaution and not planning for a final-day scenario due to weather forecasts—but these explanations only highlighted the cracks in his leadership.
The most concerning aspect of the defeat was the poor batting performance, especially from Masood himself. As a captain, your personal performance is crucial, and Masood’s batting has been underwhelming. He has only managed 201 runs in four matches as captain, with an average of 25.12.
A Career at a Crossroads
Masood’s Test career has been a story of ups and downs. Since his career-best 156 against England four years ago, his form has dipped, averaging less than 19 in 13 Tests. His career has been plagued by inconsistency, both in terms of his performances and his place in the team.
Now, with the added pressure of captaincy, Masood’s future looks uncertain. If he doesn’t perform in the upcoming Test against Bangladesh, it could spell the end of his captaincy and possibly his place in the team. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim.
The Need for a Turnaround
It’s not all doom and gloom for Masood, though. Despite the losses, he has shown some positive traits as a captain. He has been more proactive than Babar Azam, and his willingness to learn and improve is commendable.
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However, Masood needs to score runs and lead Pakistan to victory in the upcoming Test to ease the pressure. If he fails, the critics will have more ammunition, and his tenure as captain might come to a premature end.
It’s a shame because Masood has the potential to be a good captain. He’s tactically sound, willing to reinvent himself, and has a genuine desire to improve. But in cricket, as in life, results matter. And right now, Masood needs to deliver—both with the bat and as a leader.
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