Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has issued a cautionary message to young opener Saim Ayub, urging him to diversify his shot selection to avoid predictable dismissals. Hafeez’s comments come after Ayub was dismissed playing his favorite shot in Peshawar Zalmi’s recent PSL match.
“Sometimes your favorite shot becomes your weakness too,” Hafeez said on a local sports channel. “Today, it was his [Saim’s] favorite shot and he got out on it. I think Saim needs to see that focusing only on one shot isn’t allowing him to play other good options well. He needs to pay attention to his range of shots,” he further added.
Ayub, who has emerged as a promising talent in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has been consistent in his shot selection, often opting for a specific stroke that has brought him success in the past. However, this predictability has also made him vulnerable to bowlers who can target his weakness.
Mohammad Hafeez asks Saim to play multiple shots
Hafeez, known for his diverse batting repertoire during his playing days, emphasized the importance of adaptability for young batsmen. “It’s important for young players to develop a wider range of shots so that they can adapt to different situations and bowling attacks. Relying solely on one shot can make you predictable and easier to dismiss,” he explained.
Ayub’s recent performances in the PSL highlight this point. While he scored 42 against Quetta Gladiators and 7 runs against Multan Sultans, he was dismissed playing his preferred shot in both matches. Notably, Zalmi won the match against Multan Sultans, but lost the encounters against Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators.
Hafeez’s comments come at a time when he has recently stepped down as a PCB director, citing the “peak” of PCB politics as a major reason for his resignation. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, his cricketing expertise remains valuable, and his advice to Saim Ayub serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and versatility for young batsmen aiming for long-term success.
While Ayub has shown glimpses of his talent, diversifying his shot selection could be the key to unlocking his full potential and overcoming his current vulnerability. Heeding the advice of experienced players like Hafeez could prove crucial in his cricketing journey.
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