Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan admitted his recent dip in bowling form but was quick to point out that there was no shortage of skills to turn it around. The Pakistan vice-captain has picked 13 wickets in 11 ODIs this year.
“I do understand that my recent form is not good, but I have the skills,” Shadab said in a press conference in Hyderabad. “Just that when you are not performing, you are mentally a bit down, but skill-wise, there is no issue. From the mental aspect, things have changed after I got the rest, and hopefully, we will give a good performance in the upcoming World Cup.”
Four of those 13 wickets picked this year came in the fixture against Nepal in the Asia Cup. However, he was otherwise lacklustre in that tournament.
“From a cricketing point of view, the Asia Cup didn’t go well, but that’s the beauty of cricket: you learn from your mistakes, and there is always an opportunity to learn and play good cricket,” Shadab said. “After we lost the Asia Cup, we got a good rest, and I believe it’s no more a skill game but a mental game, and it’s the World Cup. You can make good decisions when you are relaxed mentally,” he added.
While being optimistic about his own revival, Shadab also threw his weight behind Fakhar Zaman, who too has struggled for runs and didn’t get to bat in the opening warm-up fixture against New Zealand in Hyderabad on October 29.
“He is a big player for us, an impactful player, and whenever he performs, the team wins. His three centuries this year have come in winning causes and every team wants this kind of players to play for their side. We have no doubt about his ability, and we back him as he is a world-class player,” Shadab said.
