‘Specialist batters outdated,’ Hesson calls for multi-skilled players over milestones obsessed

It’s clear if someone plays for personal milestones. They come naturally if you do right by the team, said new coach

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Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has called the traditional role of specialist batters in T20 cricket “outdated,” emphasising the need for multi-skilled players who prioritise team success over personal milestones.

Hesson, who recently led Pakistan to a 3-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh, praised the team’s aggressive and counter-attacking approach throughout the series despite frequent wickets. The new strategy, credited to Hesson’s influence, mirrors the style he successfully implemented with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In an exclusive interview with ESPNcricinfo, Hesson said the foundations laid in the Bangladesh series reflect the kind of cricket he expects from Pakistan moving forward.

Read more: Salman Agha tipped to become Pakistan's all-format captain

“The idea of just specialist batters is very much outdated,” he said. “Not everyone can read a pitch well enough to know exactly which bowlers will be perfect. If you have six, seven, eight options for the captain to turn to — left-arm spinners, offspinners, etc. — it gives tactical flexibility.”

Hesson explained that his approach focuses on players contributing in both batting and bowling. “You’ve got to be above par with the bat and below par with the ball, and that’s the way we’ll be trying to operate.”

This philosophy is not new to Hesson, who has long favoured rotating bowlers and using more than seven options during PSL matches to keep the opposition guessing and provide captains with strategic choices.

Pakistan’s recent foreign coaching stints under Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten ended abruptly, with contractual disputes and disappointing results. However, Hesson said he accepted the white-ball coaching role with “eyes wide open” and confidence that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared his vision.

“The results won’t come instantly,” he admitted. “People must understand we will have ups and downs, but if everyone — selectors, NCA, chairman, senior players — is on the same page about when and where to peak, there is a clear process.”

Hesson also highlighted the need for “measured, smart cricket with intent” rather than just aggressive play, stressing the importance of tactical awareness in white-ball formats.

Addressing recent squad selections that excluded stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Muhammad Rizwan to build a new team, Hesson said he has not closed the door on any player. However, those hoping to make the squad must understand and meet team requirements.

“It becomes pretty apparent if someone is playing for personal milestones,” he said. “Personal milestones will come naturally if you do the right thing for the team, and then the team will celebrate them.”