Cricket: The case of Shahid Afridi

The question that Shahid Afridi should bat at number 6 or as an opener has been in debates for a long time.

It is an indeed a complicated issue, as both positions are critical and cannot be handed over to someone who is incapable of handling it accordingly.

Shahid Afridi, although a highly talented batsman, does not play according to the circumstances. He has his own unique style which he retains under all conditions, no matter he is playing in opening position or later. There is no way you can force Shahid Afridi to hold on or let it loose. He will play his game. This fragile nature of Shahid Afridi has been harmful for the team at numerous occasions and many games have been lost just because Shahid Afridi was the last recognized batsman on the pitch and he lost his wicket due to his impatient nature.

So the question remains, what to do with Shahid Afridi?

In my opinion, the position of Shahid Afridi should depend on when the team is batting. If the team is batting first, Afridi should bat at number 6, because when batting first, there is no total to chase and no wickets to retain, Afridi can come in late and play his natural game to keep the scoreboard moving. He would usually come after 35 overs have been bowled. It is needed to increase the run rate and Afridi is pretty good at doing just that.

However, if the team is chasing a total, Afridi should open the innings. That way he can come in early and give a strong base for the middle order. Since Afridi doesn’t care about pressure and the importance of saving his wicket, batting at number 6 while chasing doesn’t suit him at all. More often than not we have seen Afridi getting out when the team is in crisis and need a saviour. Afridi cannot play that role.