Sharjeel Khan is a bit healthy but his fitness is not a major concern: Babar Azam

With stunning performance in the 2021 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the opening batsman Sharjeel Khan managed to impress the National team selectors and thus has been named in Pakistan’s T20I squad against South Africa. However, Sharjeel’s inclusion in the team had stirred controversy as it was revealed that the head coach Misbah-ul-Haq wasn’t happy with Khan as he weighs 112 kilos.

Sharjeel will be making a comeback in the Pakistan team after surviving a ban for his involvement in PSL spot-fixing scandal 2017. Ahead of the T20I series, the 31-year-old got the backing of his skipper Babar Azam. Explaining the reason for picking Sharjeel, Babar said that the opener is a match-winner and is working hard to improve his fitness.

“Sharjeel is a bit healthy but his fitness is not a major concern. He is working on improving his fitness as well but he can’t become like Shadab Khan all of a sudden. Also, he is now part of the team which is why it is important to back him,” said Babar during a virtual press conference. 

“Due to his fitness issues, I only asked for his inclusion in the T20 side because it was easier to adjust him in the shorter format. Sharjeel is a match-winner which is why we have picked him. He can totally change the game as an opener and is currently in good form,” he added

Sharjeel Khan is a match winner: Babar Azam

Further, the captain asserted that the good players can’t be left from the side just because of concerns regarding their fitness. Speaking specifically about Khan, Babar reckoned that Sharjeel is fit enough to take the field and the team-management is focusing on his fitness as well.

When asked specifically about Khan, and his fielding, Babar said, “I don’t know why there is an impression that his fitness isn’t good enough. He played four-day cricket, a one-day tournament, and the PSL as well so I don’t think there is an issue. He is a match-winner and we are focusing on his fitness as well. In fielding he is great and there isn’t an issue so he is very much part of the squad and we have to back him for the good.”