Pakistan needs Virat Kohli’s fearlessness, not Misbah-ul-Haq’s defensive approach: Ramiz Raja

Of late, there have been a lot of activities going around in Pakistan cricket. Mickey Arthur’s contract wasn’t renewed for the position of the head coach. Same was the case also with the rest of the support staff, involving bowling coach Azhar Mahmood and batting coach Grant Flower. Recently, it has been learned that Mike Hesson has turned down the offer for the role of the head coach.

With Hesson out of contention, the most probable name for the position doing the rounds is Misbah-ul-Haq. The veteran is currently heading the pre-season conditioning camp at the NCA in Lahore. However, not everyone is convinced with Misbah’s credentials, one of them is Ramiz Raza, who believes that the former’s defensive approach can backfire on Pakistan team in the future.

“Misbah has a defensive approach towards cricket and waits for the opposition to make a mistake instead of being proactive. He won many matches with this approach in UAE, however, Pakistan cricket needs individual who can make things happen rather than react to the opponent’s gameplan,” Raja was quoted as saying in cricketpakistan.com.pk.

Virat Kohli has taken the Indian team to new heights

Under Misbah, Pakistan has won 24 out of 52 Tests, 45 out of 87 ODIs and six out of eight T20Is. Even as Raja doesn’t want Misbah as the head coach, he said that the team needs someone with a fearless approach like Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper. Raja urged to bring in someone, who formulate tactics in order to keep up with the rigours of modern-day cricket.

“Virat Kohli has taken the Indian team to new heights [in Test cricket] with his aggressive and fearless approach. Pakistan needs to follow suit as there is aggression in the men in green’s DNA and they need individuals in the think-tank who can make plans that are according to the demands of modern-day cricket,” the former cricketer said.

Pakistan needs a fresh approach

Pakistan are currently ranked seventh in ICC’s rankings for teams. Misbah’s numbers in international cricket isn’t bad, but it’s his approach, which hasn’t pleased Raja, who reckons that Pakistan team is in dire requirement of a fresh mindset in order to increase their fan following.

“Pakistan under Misbah was only successful in one type of condition and played safe cricket. If the men in green want to change their fortunes in Test cricket and increase their fan following, they need a fresh approach and that can only happen when people with aggressive mindsets are in charge,” Raja added.

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