The Pakistan cricket team is currently in turmoil following a series of poor performances, including an early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 and a recent series loss to Bangladesh at home. This series loss, which came as a shock to Pakistan but was historic for Bangladesh, indicates that something is wrong with the team, especially in Test cricket. Pakistan’s last home Test win was in December 2021 against South Africa in Rawalpindi. Since then, there has been a significant drought.
After Babar Azam’s removal from the leadership role across all formats in November 2023. Shan Masood was named Test captain, but despite his efforts, the 34-year-old Masood has lost all of his first five matches as captain.
Following a 3-0 whitewash in Australia and another series defeat to Bangladesh, which marked Bangladesh’s first series win against Pakistan, there are likely to be significant changes. Given Masood’s age and his current defensive approach as captain, it is not surprising if he is not seen as the future leader. If the Test captaincy changes, who could replace him? Here are three potential candidates who might take over from Shan Masood.
Players who could replace Shan Masood as Test captain
Babar Azam
The first name, or rather the recurring name, that could be considered again is Pakistan’s run machine, Babar Azam. Although there have been consistent issues affecting his performance, requiring some “oiling,” there is no question that he has done well as captain, even in Test matches. In 10 games, he has lost 6 and drawn 6, with a win percentage of 62.50. Overall, Babar has captained Pakistan in 147 matches, winning 83 and losing 50, with 2 ties and 4 draws. There is no doubt that the PCB may consider this name if they decide to change Pakistan’s Test captain.
Mohammad Rizwan
Another name that could be very interesting for the PCB to consider is Mohammed Rizwan. With 48 PSL matches under his belt, including 32 wins, he ranks fourth in terms of wins as a captain in this popular league. Rizwan is a consistent performer, making him a valuable choice for Test captaincy. He has captaincy experience with the PSL franchise Multan Sultans and also serves as a vice-captain, particularly in white-ball formats. In the recently held series against Bangladesh, he had a decent outing with a 171-run knock in the first Test. It might be a good time for the PCB to hand the captaincy to this star batter.
Saud Shakeel
Shakeel, whose performance in Test cricket has shown a meteoric rise, is now also the vice-captain in test cricket. In 12 games, this left-hander has scored 1,126 runs at an average of 56. Although the sample size is small, but surely it highlights his calmness and patience. Given that the top names mentioned above are both approaching 30 (Babar is 29, and Rizwan is already 32), Pakistan may need to look to the future and consider younger players who can build the team. Currently, Saud Shakeel stands out as a potential leader, and it is possible that his name could rise to the top for the captaincy.
