'He is performing incredibly well' - Ramiz Raja backs Shadab Khan to open the innings for Pakistan in T20Is

With Shadab Khan looking in red-hot form with the bat in the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja believes that the allrounder could open the batting in T20 Internationals. Not known for his batting, the Pakistan star has taken the PSL by storm this year with his consistent batting displays.

The Islamabad United captain has led his side from the very front this season. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. The right-handed batsman has scored 251 runs in 8 innings so far with the help of three fifties and a strike-rate of more than 166. Impressed with his batting performances, Ramiz Raja believes that the leg-spinner could open the batting for Pakistan in the shortest format of the game.

“I think the young brigade should get chances up the order. These young players are fearless and can act as floaters in the batting order. We need to start experimenting in the batting order. I think Shadab has made a strong case for himself to bat up the order. I don’t see any areas that he might be lacking in as compared to other top-order batsmen in Pakistan.

Asif Ali also has the capability to hit big shots but plays down the order. Iftikhar is another great prospect that is stuck down the order. I think they should be used up the order. Shadab could actually even open for Pakistan,” Raja said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

‘Shabab is performing incredibly well’: Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja also heaped praise on Shadab Khan for the way he has led Islamabad United this year. The ex-cricketer-turned-commentator opined that Shadab’s rise as a batsman and a leader augurs well for Pakistan cricket which desperately need an all-rounder.

“Shadab is performing incredibly well in the batting department, his captaincy and in the field. It is great for Pakistan cricket that a cricketing brain has gotten such a big platform. His batting is shining through after promoting himself up the order. His power hitting is now on full display. He can be that integral all-rounder link that Pakistan desperately needs. His future is extremely bright. He plays with his heart and is very fit. He is a safe batsman who can play shots along the ground when needed,” said Raja.