Pakistan skipper Shan Masood claims Abdullah Shafique surpasses Virat Kohli's record in bold statement

Pakistan men's Test cricket team captain Shan Masood has come to the defense of Abdullah Shafique, the out-of-form opening batter, following criticism over his recent performance. Shan, who is set to lead Pakistan in their upcoming Test series against England, pointed to Shafique¡¯s achievements to highlight his potential, even comparing the 24-year-old¡¯s record with that of Indian batting legend Virat Kohli.

'Shafique's record is better than Kohli¡¯s after 19 tests'

During a press conference, a journalist questioned Shan on Pakistan¡¯s persistence in selecting inconsistent players like Shafique. The reporter raised concerns about not giving other batters, such as Kamran Ghulam, a chance. He also expressed frustration over the same players representing Pakistan in both Tests and T20Is.

"If I back a player who becomes a good servant for Pakistan cricket and lose my own spot in the process, I will have no regrets."

Shan Masood answered a question about Pakistan's Test openers.#PAKvENG | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/ecNlKGhssN

¡ª Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) September 30, 2024

Shan responded calmly, backing Shafique with statistical evidence. ¡°With all due respect, I don¡¯t think your question is accurate¡­ I agree that Pakistan hasn¡¯t played good cricket in 2024, but mixing Tests and T20I stats is not right. Things should be looked at objectively. You talk about stats. The other day I was reading a stat that Abdullah Shafique, who has played 19 Tests, has a better record than Virat Kohli,¡± Shan said.

Shafique's performance in 19 tests

The Pakistan captain further elaborated on his leadership approach and why he continues to back players like Shafique. He emphasized his responsibility as captain, showing readiness to sacrifice his own place for the betterment of the team.

¡°When you are making a team, it is the responsibility of the team. Look, the responsibility is mine. I have to take the pain as a leader¡­ Only then something will happen. In the end, I will be happy¡­ I will not regret it. If I am backing the right thing, I will always sleep peacefully. I will live my life peacefully,¡± he added.

Also Read: 'khuddari nahi aati?': Pak skipper Shan Masood faces journalist¡¯s blunt remark during media interaction

Shan compared Shafique¡¯s stats with Kohli¡¯s after 19 Tests, noting that Kohli had scored 1178 runs at an average of 40.62, while Shafique has 1372 runs from the same number of matches.

After first 19 Tests:

Virat Kohli: 32 innings, 1178 runs, 40.62 average, 4 hundreds, 6 fifties

Abdullah Shafique: 36 innings, 1372 rus, 40.35 average, 4 hundreds, 5 fifties

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