Shadab Khan, who began his career as a talented leg-spinner, able to deliver sharp googlies and chip in with the bat, is now in the eye of the storm for his disappointing performances.
A match-winner for Pakistan in the past, his recent performances, particularly in T20Is, have raised grave doubts about his form. His dismal performances in the just-concluded T20I series against New Zealand have only increased the frustration among fans and experts alike.
A nightmare in wellington
In the last T20I against New Zealand at Wellington, Shadab Khan again didn’t impress. As a batter, he was run out for 28 runs off 20 balls, a strike rate of 140.
Although his contribution was fair, it was not the acceleration required to apply pressure on the stronger opposition. But with the ball, his show was highly disappointing.
Bowling just two overs, he leaked 33 runs while failing to claim a wicket, finishing with an economy rate of 16.50—his worst of the series.
This performance was not a one-time affair but, instead, a continuation of a worrisome trend. In his last 10 T20I games, his stats have been frightening as both a bowler and a batsman.
Shadab’s dismal T20I form
With the Ball
- Wickets: 1
- Bowling Average:0
- Economy Rate:07
- Strike Rate:0
With the Bat
- Total Runs: 105
- Batting Average:50
- Strike Rate:0
- Highest Score: 40
Last 10 T20I bowling performances
- vs England (The Oval, 30 May 2024): 3.0 overs, 20 runs, 0 wickets, Economy 6.66
- vs U.S.A. (Dallas, 6 Jun 2024): 3.0 overs, 27 runs, 0 wickets, Economy 9.00
- vs India (New York, 9 Jun 2024): Did not bowl
- vs Canada (New York, 11 Jun 2024): Did not bowl
- vs Ireland (Lauderhill, 16 Jun 2024): 1.0 over, 11 runs, 0 wickets, Economy 11.00
- vs New Zealand (Christchurch, 16 Mar 2025): 2.0 overs, 18 runs, 0 wickets, Economy 9.00
- vs New Zealand (Dunedin, 18 Mar 2025): 1.0 over, 10 runs, 0 wickets, Economy 10.00
- vs New Zealand (Auckland, 21 Mar 2025): 4.0 overs, 33 runs, 1 wicket, Economy 8.25
- vs New Zealand (Mount Maunganui, 23 Mar 2025): 4.0 overs, 49 runs, 0 wickets, Economy 12.25
- vs New Zealand (Wellington, 26 Mar 2025): 2.0 overs, 33 runs, 0 wickets, Economy 16.50
Last 10 T20I batting performances
- vs England (The Oval, 30 May 2024): 0 runs (1 ball), SR 0.00
- vs U.S.A. (Dallas, 6 Jun 2024): 40 runs (25 balls), SR 160.00
- vs India (New York, 9 Jun 2024): 4 runs (7 balls), SR 57.14
- vs Canada (New York, 11 Jun 2024): Did not bat
- vs Ireland (Lauderhill, 16 Jun 2024): 0 runs (2 balls), SR 0.00
- vs New Zealand (Christchurch, 16 Mar 2025): 3 runs (6 balls), SR 50.00
- vs New Zealand (Dunedin, 18 Mar 2025): 26 runs (14 balls), SR 185.71
- vs New Zealand (Auckland, 21 Mar 2025): Did not bat
- vs New Zealand (Mount Maunganui, 23 Mar 2025): 1 run (4 balls), SR 25.00
- vs New Zealand (Wellington, 26 Mar 2025): 28 runs (20 balls), SR 140.00
What’s next for Shadab Khan?
Pakistan need to make a tough call regarding Shadab Khan’s place in the T20I setup. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the team management cannot afford to carry underperforming players.
- Should Shadab be dropped for a specialist spinner?
- Can he regain his form through domestic cricket?
- Is it time for him to reconsider his role as an all-rounder and focus solely on bowling?
While Shadab Khan still possesses the talent and experience to make a comeback, his recent performances indicate that he needs to step up significantly. If he fails to do so, Pakistan may be forced to look for better alternatives.
