Srinagar: Pakistan limited over format coach Mike Hesson has opened up on the highly discussed exclusion of Pakistan premier batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad.
Speaking to reporters in a pre-match press conference, Hesson stressed the importance of honesty when assessing players.
“I think being honest in your assessment of players is important. What matters is coming from a place with no agenda, being objective, and being clear. I haven’t talked about anyone’s frailties specifically, but I have alluded to the demands of the modern game,” Hesson said.
“The strike rates required in the powerplay, especially in good conditions, are different now than they used to be. Players ask for honesty—they want to know what they need to work on. If you provide that feedback, there’s always a way back for them,” he added.
“It’s not about liking a player or having a relationship with them; it’s about being honest about their role and what the team needs. Then it’s up to the players to work on those areas. That’s what I ask of anyone, whether they’re current players or trying to fight their way back into the team,” he stated.
Hesson downplayed the focus on individual statistics, stressing a team-first approach.
“For me, it’s about the sum of the parts. What does the team achieve on the day, and is it good enough? Sometimes 150 is a winning score, sometimes 190 isn’t. It’s about assessing what’s required to win and whether we can get above that. That’s all that matters—not averages, not strike rates, not six counts,” he concluded.
