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3 Potential Replacements For Shan Masood As Pakistan Test Captain If He Gets Sacked

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi [X]Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi [X]

Things are not bright for Pakistan as far as Test cricket is concerned. In their recent outing, they faced a six-wicket defeat against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi in the last Test of the two-match Test series. With this defeat, they got clean-swept on their home turf and descended to the second-last spot in the WTC points table.

With the unpredictable nature of Pakistan cricket, some drastic changes in their squad might be on the cards. Shan Masood, the current red-ball captain of the Pakistan team, might be the first to face the consequences. With Pakistan failing to win a single of five Tests under his captaincy, the management might decide to look beyond him. Here are three players who might replace Shan Masood as Pakistan Test captain if he gets sacked. 

3. Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan [X]Mohammad Rizwan [X]

The wicket-keeper batter is one of the most consistent batters in the line-up. Mohammad Rizwan’s batting was, infact, one of the rare positives for Pakistan in the Bangladesh series. 

In the first Test of the series, Rizwan scored a stellar 171 in the first innings and followed it up with a half-century in the second innings. His current batting form might give him the confidence to lead the team from the front and lay a perfect example for the other players to follow. 

Though Rizwan did not have a successful stint at the post previously, losing both Test matches as captain, his leadership skills have been proven in the PSL. If Pakistan management thinks of a change in the leadership role, they might go with someone who is in a good space with his performance and has experience leading a team. 

2. Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi [X]Shaheen Afridi [X]

The Pakistan premium pacer was handed over the white ball captaincy a few months ago. However, just before the T20 World Cup 2024, he was snubbed from the role and the job was given back to Babar Azam. This abrupt change might have even affected his performance, as recently, Shaheen Afridi has looked a bit off rhythm with the ball in hand. 

However, Shaheen Afridi has already proven himself a captain in the Pakistan Super League. After taking over the job of captain of Lahore Qalandars in 2021, Shaheen led the franchise to two consecutive title wins. That is a testament to his leadership skills. 

However, being a fast bowler, Afridi always carries the injury threat. So, making him the captain will force him to play every game, which might mess with his workload management. Considering this, the management might deter him from making him the red-ball skipper.

1. Saud Shakeel

Saud Shakeel [X]Saud Shakeel [X]

The current vice-captain of the Pakistan Test team is probably their best batter in the format, as far as recent form is concerned. Saud Shakeel has made a promising start to his career in the purest format. In 23 matches, Shakeel has already scored 1,126 runs at an average of 56.30 with three Hundreds and six half-centuries. In the first Test of the recently concluded series against Bangladesh, Shakeel scored 141 to stamp his dexterity in the format. 

Saud Shakeel is one of the pillars of the Pakistani middle order, and he has the form and momentum with him. This confidence in Shakeel might make him a successful leader. Also, his enjoying the format might help the team better understand the game, and the tables could turn for Pakistan. 

Why Babar Azam will not be considered as a captain?

Records say that Babar Azam has been Pakistan's most successful Test captain in recent times. Despite this, the management might not consider him the next man in this role. Babar Azam, the batter, is going through a terrible time. If he is handed over the captaincy of an already underperforming team, it might affect the mental aspect of his game even more, and that is one thing Pakistan cannot afford now. Infact, Pakistan might give him the freedom to regain his form and peak before or atleast during the all-important England series.