
Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan has defended captain Misbahul Haq’s defensive approach to leading the team, revealing that the batsman feared losing captaincy as well as his place in the side.
Mohsin, in an interview with Geo Super, said that despite all the success that Pakistan have tasted under Misbah, the 37-year-old felt that even a couple of failures may limit his playing days.
“You have to understand that at his age, he worries about the fact that if he fails in one or two matches, the critics will be after him and he could be dropped,” said Mohsin. “That’s why he, at times, tends to play it safe. But he’s gained confidence as captain and I’ve been telling him to forget about these things and focus on doing what he’s best at: leading the team by example.”
Mohsin also spoke highly of Misbah’s captaincy and said that he has developed an ideal working relationship with him.
“Misbah’s an intelligent and composed captain and communicates well with the players. He has also quickly picked up the confidence to push for victories. In the last Test against Bangladesh, both of us decided on the spur of moment that even if we get 10 overs, we’ll go for victory and not settle for a draw.”
The former opener also hit back at critics who have accused him of being an armchair coach, not being physically active and holding long team meetings to the frustration of the players.
“People need to understand that the job of a coach is to make his players mentally strong and just guide and discuss strategies with them. You can’t teach anything more to people like Misbah or Younus Khan at this stage.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2012.
COMMENTS (12)
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Misbah should concentrate on his game. He was not Captain before this nor he will remain at this after some time. Be a player and let him be a good performer. Don't ask him to start climbing the ladder which eventually will be pulled over once he starts climbing. Our society and country is full of hypocrite and conspiracy theorist. That is why our houses and country condition is identical in every sphere of life.
I also agree with Blith
@Ch. Allah Daad:
you are praising him. Is he belong to PML N
so this mean Misbah is putting his interest ahead of the team by being defensive....so pathetic
Misbahul Haq has put up an excellent performance so far as the captain of Pakistan cricket Team.Although he is not an aggressive captain he is surely a tactical leader who remains calm and cool in all situations of a game and take calculated decisions in bowling changes.He has also won the confidence and respect of the players.The need to groom a successor to Misbah,having the same attributes and acumen cannot be over emphasized .
Looks like everybody in our cricket is a champion of wrong psycotherapy. You do not say this nonsense about players in public or private. I am not a huge fan of Misbah, but I do admit that under his captaincy we won lately, saw some stability and unity in the team. It is an absolutely immature behaviour from Mohsin Khan. Grow up man ! Will you????
There is no way he can lose his place in test side just yet He can still play couple of years With this approach he will surely lose his captaincy ...
What a thing to say before a big series, I always knew that Mr Mohsin was not fit to be in any position of responsibility, Such comments have nothing but a negative effect and gives an insight into his mediocre personality. Misbah has done a great job as a captain and I am sure despite the help of our coach, he will continue to do well.
Agree with Blithe. Another Afridi moment
He should not worry, whole nation is behind him. We praise those club level players who perform once in a while. He is a genuine leader and a great player.
What was the point of saying that in public???
Another Afridi moment where we say things without realizing consequences...
Really disappointed at Mohsin. He obviously does not have "mental toughness" to be coach.