3 Surprise Picks Who Can Replace Saim Ayub In Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan have yet to reveal their Champions Trophy squad [Source: @SalmanAsif2007/X]Pakistan have yet to reveal their Champions Trophy squad [Source: @SalmanAsif2007/X]

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After securing a memorable clean sweep on South African soil, Pakistan are gearing up for the Champions Trophy, which they will host next month. However, the hosts have suffered a huge setback before the marquee event, with their in-form opener Saim Ayub sustaining an ankle injury. 

Although Saim Ayub hasn't officially been ruled out yet, the delay in his recovery has raised doubts over his participation in the showpiece event. Therefore, as the PCB awaits an update on Saim's injury, here are three surprise picks who could replace him in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. 

1. Haseebullah Khan

  • Haseebullah Khan is one of Pakistan's most promising openers in white-ball cricket. In 50 List-A innings, the southpaw has amassed 2301 runs at an average of 51.13 and a strike rate of 88.53. 
  • With Saim Ayub struggling with an ankle injury and Fakhar Zaman likely to open the innings with Babar Azam, Haseebullah could be picked as the reserve opener in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. 
  • Also, as Mohammad Rizwan will don the keeping gloves, Haseebullah's inclusion will provide Pakistan with a reserve wicket-keeper option in the mega event.

2. Khushdil Shah

  • According to emerging reports, Khushdil Shah is another player that Pakistan are considering recalling as Saim Ayub's replacement. In eight ODI innings, Khushdil has struck 199 runs at an average of 33.2 and a strike rate of 94.8. 
  • Although he doesn't bat at the top order, Pakistan might recall the southpaw, considering his dependability as a middle-order batter. The Men in Green lack depth and experience in the middle order. Thus, Khushdil, who has scored 3289 List-A runs in 101 innings, can be a valuable addition to their Champions Trophy squad. 

3. Usman Khan

  • Usman Khan is a hard-hitting top-order batter and a regular face in the Pakistan Super League. The swashbuckling right-hander hasn't had an opportunity in ODIs; however, his List-A numbers are incredible, as he has amassed 681 runs in 12 innings at an unbelievable average of 75.66 and a strike rate of 117.61. 
  • If Usman replaces Ayub in Pakistan's playing XI, he will likely open the batting, enabling Babar Azam to bat at his preferred number three position.