'I became overconfident' - Fakhar Zaman admits to have taken his place in Pakistan team for granted

Fakhar Zaman made a sparkling entry in international cricket. He scored a hundred just in his fourth ODI innings and that came against India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. He had also scored consecutive fifties in crucial matches against England (semi-final) and Sri Lanka. In the following year, he became the first Pakistan batsman to score a double century in the ODIs as well.

However, he failed to stay at the top of his career. Zaman scored only 186 runs in eight innings during the 2019 World Cup and was eventually dropped from the team. In a recent interview, the left-handed batsman has revealed that he feels he had taken his place in the Pakistan team for granted. He credited former coach Mickey Arthur for his success and also for giving him the freedom to play his shots.

“To be honest, I became overconfident. Even when I played domestic cricket, I always took my time. I’ll give credit to Mickey Arthur that he gave me the freedom. Because of that, I started playing aggressively,” Fakhar was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

You cannot start hitting the new ball from the start: Fakhar Zaman on his reinventive ploy to opening the innings

Fakhar Zaman who is known to play aggressively has often fallen victim of his own ploy. Even though he found back some form in the last ODI series against Sri Lanka, the southpaw insists he will be more careful while batting from now onwards.

“You cannot start hitting the new ball from the start. My role will remain the same – to be an aggressive player at the top. But, if you see, I tried playing a scoop in the first over against Sri Lanka. What I am saying is, I won’t make those mistakes. I’ll try that our run rate is about 8 or 9. My aim will be to ensure I bat long so that it helps the team,” he added.

The 30-year-old talked about the technical aspects of his batting. He insisted that it is important to make just certain small changes while playing in international cricket.

“I have come up with this technique only, so I don’t need to make a lot of changes. It is just some adjustments, like in the grip or a small change in the stance, I have made these small adjustments,” he said. “At this level, if I change my technique, I won’t have a lot of time. I am very happy with it, and you will see very soon when you see me playing how the adjustments I have made are making a huge difference,” Zaman added.

Fakhar Zaman has found a spot in the 29-member squad which will travel to England later this month. The team will play three Tests and three T20Is against England in the month of August. He emphasised he is working hard to find a permanent spot in the team.