Basit Ali urges Shan Masood to channel Rohit Sharma's bravery to demolish England

As Pakistan prepares to face England in the first Test in Multan on October 7, Basit Ali has issued a fiery warning to captain Shan Masood after the hosts took a cautioned approach in announcing the playing XI for the three-match Test series opener following England’s announcement.

The former Pakistani cricketer believes that Masood has counterattacked England even before the on-field action by announcing the playing eleven in advance for the first Test in Multan.

Shan Masood should have counter-attacked: Basit Ali

Basit urged Masood to take inspiration from India's fearless skipper, Rohit Sharma, and adopt a more aggressive approach in his leadership if he wants to taste success as the captain.

Basit criticized Pakistan’s response to England's early playing XI announcement, suggesting that Shan Masood should have taken his decision and immediately countered by revealing their playing XI, saying it is the time for Pakistan to show confidence and not be intimidated by their opponents.

Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Shan Masood saab, counter-attack kar dena chahiye tha aapko (you should have counter-attacked). It's still not late; do it in the morning (Sunday) after assessing the pitch. What will happen at most? A mistake, so what! Mistakes happened against Bangladesh as well. The one who counter-attacks wins.”

Recalling how Rohit Sharma led India to a stunning victory against Bangladesh despite rain playing spoilsport in Kanpur, Basit reminded Masood that bold decisions can turn the tide in favor of a team.

Basit Ali recalls Rohit Sharma's bold calls in the Kanpur Test

In that match, Rohit defied the odds, making bold decisions that kept Team India in the game and eventually brought the result, even after rain threatened to end the second Test in a draw.

Rohit Sharma's aggressive strategy, including a timely declaration, resulted in a two-match Test series sweep against Bangladesh and bolstered India's position at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-24.

Notably, India had won the Kanpur Test by seven wickets earlier this week. Basit emphasized that leadership like Rohit's, which combines bravery with tactical brilliance, is what Pakistan needs.

With Pakistan coming off a disappointing Test series against Bangladesh, where they were whitewashed 0-2 at home, the former Pakistani selector said that Shan Masood has the potential to uplift his team by instilling a sense of fearlessness and confidence in his players.

If you want to be brave like Rohit Sharma in captaincy, then make decisions: Basit Ali to Shan Masood

Drawing a sharp contrast between Masood and Rohit, Basit pointed out that Pakistan may not have superstars like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, or Jasprit Bumrah, but the Test captain can still form a match-winning side. He believes that it’s all about building confidence in the Pakistani players and turning them into matchwinners.

Basit signed off by saying, “Agar aap chahte hain ki Rohit Sharma ke jaise bahadur banein kaptaani mei, to faisle karein (if you want to be brave like Rohit in captaincy, then make decisions). If you take brave calls, then only you will win.

You don't have a Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (Ravindra Jadeja), or 'Boom Boom' Bumrah. So, raise the confidence level of those you have with you. Tell them, 'You are my match-winner.' Simple theory.”