Saim Ayub Injured; 3 Players Who Can Replace Him In Champions Trophy Squad

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Jan 3 2025, 3:09 PM

Saim Ayub injured [Source: AP Photos] Saim Ayub injured [Source: AP Photos]

The South Africa Vs Pakistan second Test match started on a sorrow note for the visiting side as Saim Ayub, the star Pakistan opener suffered a nasty injury while fielding and was taken off the field on a stretcher.

The batter looked in agonising pain as he was taken off and most likely, he'll miss the ongoing Test match Vs South Africa in Cape Town. The incident occurred when Mohammad Abbas bowled a good length ball outside the off and Ryan Rickelton played it through the off side.

Ayub gave it a chase, but in the process he twisted his ankle and the body weight came on his left leg as the batter couldn't stand on his feet and had to be taken off the field. Now, not only this match, but his Champions Trophy participation is also up for threads. So, here are 3 potential replacements if Ayub doesn't get fit on time.

3) Fakhar Zaman

The forgotten man of Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman hasn't played for the Men in Green for a long-time now. He was controversially removed from the team after his tweet in support of Babar Azam.

PCB chief didn't took it in a good way and left him out of the Australia tour and the South Africa series. However, with Ayub injured, there is no better replacement than Fakhar, who has been Pakistan's best ODI batter for the last 5-6 years.

He can be the aggressive batter that the team needs at the top and has the history of performing well in ICC events.

2) Imam-ul-Haq

Another forgotten star of Pakistan cricket, Imam-ul-Haq, who last played for Pakistan during the 2023 World Cup is back in the Pakistan setup for the Champions Trophy, but now has a great chance to cement a place at the top of the order.

2023 was not a great year for Imam, but the left-handed batter averages 48 in ODIs and could come in as a last-minute replacement if Ayub doesn't misses the Champions Trophy.

1) Usman Khan

The top-scorer of the Pakistan Champions ODI Cup, Usman Khan could be a wild card candidate to replace Saim Ayub.

He scored 272 runs in the Champions Cup and performed exceedingly well in the tournament. Moreover, he is technically sound and averages 75 in 12 List-A matches. If Pakistan want a surprise package to open the innings, they could go in for Usman Khan.