Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq points out difference between Pakistan, India during his playing days
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq points out difference between Pakistan, India during his playing days
Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq stated that the difference between Pakistan and India in the time of his playing days was that the Indian player would be playing to keep their place in the team whereas the Pakistan players played for the country and not personal records, as they always had the support of their skipper, especially under the leadership of Imran Khan.
Inzamam-ul-Haq was talking to former teammate Ramiz Raja during a talk show on the latter’s YouTube channel. Raja questioned him about the current lot of Pakistani players possessing great natural talent but sometimes being too scared of defeat. Resulting to the team having to often find their way back from near almost impossible position.
In response to this, Inzamam stated that if players are thinking on a series-by-series basis, that if they become victorious in one then they will have their place and they will be dropped if they fail, they will never be able to play their best game.
Inzamam talked about how Imran Khan would never drop players after a bad series or two and how that allowed them to perform better back then.
Trying to highlight on that point, he brought up the comparison with the Indian team.
"During our time, India had a very strong batting line-up than us on paper. Our record as batsmen was not better than theirs. But if one of us made even 30-40 runs, we made it for the team. If an Indian player scored a century, it wouldn't be for the team, he would be playing for himself. That made a difference," the former Pakistan captain said.
"Now our players are scared of losing their place. They think they only have one or two innings to make their mark, so they don't realize what the team needs," he said.
"That is why, if the captain and coach are on the same page, they can give players the sense of security and confidence to play according to the team's needs," Inzamam added.