The downward trending graph of Umar Akmal

There was a time when the ability and talent of Umar Akmal earned him a comparison with the Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli since the two have an aggressive approach to batting and debuted around the same time. However, Umar is having a horror time as a cricketer these days, perhaps as a result of his own actions; despite playing ODIs for Pakistan since 2009 he is yet to prove himself as potential continues to be at the immature level.

The talent is evident, but the level of irresponsibility is also somewhat visible. Making his debut in 2009, Umar has only played 111 One Day International games for Pakistan with just over 2900 runs. On the other hand, the talented Indian boy who Umar was compared with has matured into a responsible cricketer. Virat Kohli is close to achieving 7000 runs at an average of over 50 in ODIs. Not only that, he is now the captain in the longer version of the game and is likely to succeed MS Dhoni in the other formats once he retires.

The lack of responsibility is not allowing the younger Akmal to mature. On so many occasions, he had the chance of winning the game for his country not by powerful hitting but just by keeping his calm and standing there in the middle till the end. Losing patience and throwing the wicket away is now a term usually tagged along with the 25-year-old. Umar had his go in all 3 formats, but he constantly failed to do justice to the opportunities and his abilities.

He gets into trouble off the field big time. A negative instance in his personal life will also replicate on his professional performances. It is high time Akmal realizes his potential; technically, the 25-year-old is one of the best Pakistan has in the batting department and is a really attacking and aggressive batsman. The command over the cut shot and timing on explosive sixes is a joyful sight. However, such spectacles are few and far between. The number where Umar should bat is still a mystery to the player and the team management which should be sorted out at priority as well.

What he needs to work on is, his attitude and approach. He ends up making the headlines for non-cricketing reasons. The thing in his favor is that he is only 25 and has still got good 8-10 years of cricket ahead of him. He needs to be a more responsible cricketer and that is the only way he can reach the level he dreams for. Don’t let your past spoil your qualities, just put your head down, work hard in the nets, set your targets with a lot of thinking and play for the pride of your nation.

Written by Asif Mathani

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