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Pressure mounts on out-of-form Agha Salman as Shadab Khan resumes training after surgery

Debashis Sarangi

Agha Salman and Shadab Khan [Source: AFP]Agha Salman and Shadab Khan [Source: AFP]

In an encouraging sign for Pakistan, veteran all-rounder Shadab Khan has resumed training after recovering from a shoulder injury. The 27-year-old, who underwent surgery to treat his problematic right shoulder, has hit the Pakistan National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore to get back into action. 

Shadab Khan resumes bowling; aims comeback in BBL

It's worth mentioning that Shadab Khan's shoulder injury ruled him out of several crucial assignments. After missing the T20I series against Bangladesh, Shadab Khan was sidelined from the UAE Tri-series as well as the Asia Cup and white-ball series against South Africa. He hasn't been included in Pakistan's squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Tri-series involving Zimbabwe and the Lankans. 

However, as things currently stand, Shadab has started intense bowling and fielding sessions as a part of the recovery process. As revealed by Geo Super, the all-rounder will make his return to competitive cricket in the upcoming Big Bash League season, where he is set to play for Sydney Thunder. 

Shadab Khan gets fit; why should Agha Salman be worried?

Shadab Khan's fitness update is not only a massive boost for Pakistan but also a wake-up call for Pakistan's current T20I skipper, Agha Salman, who is struggling with poor form. The 31-year-old had a horrible Asia Cup campaign, leading Pakistan to three consecutive defeats against their arch-rivals, India. Barring his leadership failure, Agha Salman's middling returns with bat and ball have put serious question marks over his place in the T20I side.

Statistically, Salman has managed only 130 runs at a horrendous average of 11.81 in his last twelve T20I innings. In fact, several reports have also suggested that Pakistan are looking to appoint Shadab Khan as their new T20I captain once he receives fitness clearance. So, with Shadab steadily recovering, Agha Salman must step up and let his bat do the talking to save his place in Pakistan's T20I setup.