'Don’t understand his batting' - Ramiz Raja unhappy with Shadab Khan, wants him to have a profile like Hardik Pandya

Pakistan’s horrible batting collapse in the first of the three-match ODI series has not gone well with former players, experts and critics. The Men in Green were all-out for just 141 against the second-string England team that had a total experience of 124 international games, of which 98 were played by Ben Stokes.

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Cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja slammed the team’s shambolic performance and took a dig at all-rounder Shadab Khan. The leg-spinner didn’t take any wicket with the ball in hand and failed to get going with the bat too, when the team needed it the most. The vice-captain was looking to play his shots when his side was placed precariously at 101 for seven.

Although he scored 30 runs for his team, Raja was not satisfied by his performance and asked the all-rounder to mould his game like India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

“I don’t understand Shadab’s batting. What is his role when he comes out to bat? Is he a savior or a power hitter? Today he could have played easily because they had a lot of overs in the bank.

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But generally, his batting is going through a rusty period. He should have a profile like Hardik Pandya. He is a power hitter who scores quick fifties. Shadab’s power-hitting has completely gone missing which is saddening because he is so young.”

“This should be his peak time. But we don’t see that kind of batting from him and he needs a lot of work. In this batting lineup Shadab has more value as a power hitter,” said Raja on his YouTube channel.

The second ODI is currently underway at the Lord’s stadium.