Why Afridi is the best man to lead Pakistan?
Afridi, the best man to lead Pakistan Agreed, the ball-tampering episode was understandably a big low in the career of the tall Shahid Afridi who has forever shown the penchant for big-hitting and suave dressing off the pitch. His attitude towards the game has always remain to give his best—come what may!
It all started on a windy morning at Nairobi when he took the mighty Sri Lankans who were the defending world champions in one-day cricket over 12 seasons ago and thwarted to all parts of the park in his very second ODI and created history. His 36-ball ODI ton is still one of the big records that stands even as I write. Afridi played Twenty20 even before the concept was thought off by the powers to be in international cricket.
While he may be out playing a silly shot in the very first ball of a match but that will not stop him from going for the same shot in the next match. While he may have been reprimanded by his team on more occasions than one but Afridi has continued to remain an enigma till date. He may not boast of two triple-tons as his Indian counterpart Virender Sehwag who too uses the longer handle to good effect, but Afridi has played some standout knocks that has not just won the match for his team but has literally created a scar in the minds of the opposition.
Over the years, he has improved his skills at hurling the cherry, bowling the fastish leg-spinners that has foxed the batsman on more occasions than one.
Now, the big questions—-Why should Afridi be made the skipper? Two reasons which are applicable to all sports and spheres of life:
1. He is aggressive, adventurous and definitely will unite this Pakistani team that has always remained shrouded in the realms of mystery.
2. The best player in the team is often not the best captain and Sachin Tendulkar is the best example of that statement. The Mumbai genius understood this facet quite early and has wielded his willow for his team than taking over the captaincy reigns which he was offered by the selectors time and again. Afridi is not the best but has the ability to get the best out of his team, a good enough reason for the PCB to take the gamble.
And considering the amount of surprising decisions that the Pakistan board has made in the last so many years, one can’t rule out this decision too altogether.
