Rameez Raja, former Pakistan captain, and renowned cricket pundit has suggested veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed to retire from Test cricket and focus on limited-overs cricket.
Sarfaraz, who has been serving on the sidelines since being sacked as Pakistan captain last year, and was on the bench for the first Test against England at Manchester, serving water last week as 12th man in the opening Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against England in Manchester.
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The commentator admitted that it is very difficult to “come down and be on the bench” especially when you were the captain and given that, he advised Sarfaraz to focus on white-ball cricket wherein he is excellent rather than being benched in the Test cricket.
Raja said on the Youtube channel 'Cricket Baaz': “In my book, I am clear once you have been captain and remained on a pedestal then it is very difficult to come down and be on the bench.”
He further added, “I would advise Sarfaraz to think about it and retire from Test cricket and just focus on white-ball cricket, a format in which he is very good and known for his aggression.”
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Meanwhile, the former captain has pointed out that senior player of Sarfaraz's stature carrying drinks isn’t rare in cricket, but it’s not looking good in Pakistan culture.
Raja further explained, “There is nothing wrong with that because even James Anderson carried drinks when he didn't play in the second Test against West Indies. But in our cricket culture, these things are not looked upon nicely and if they involve a former captain. I don't see him getting a chance in the Test format soon so he should focus on white-ball cricket where he will play and be respected as well.”
However, he admitted that Sarfaraz’s presence in the Pakistan squad adds pressure on Muhammad Rizwan, who kept the wickets for Pakistan in the first test against England.
Raja signed off by saying, “He is in the Test squad also adds pressure on Muhammad Rizwan who knows there is a former captain keeper breathing down his neck and that is not good for him. I think Sarfaraz should not be on the bench. He should call it a day from Test cricket.”
(with PTI Inputs)
