Cricketer-turned-commentator, Ramiz Raja, has advised the former captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, to retire from the longest format of the game. The 57-year-old said that it is difficult for a former captain to sit on the bench, therefore, he should focus on white-ball cricket only.
In my book, I am clear once you have been captain and remained on a pedestal then it is very difficult to come down and be on the bench. I would advise Sarfaraz to think about it and retire from Test cricket and just focus on white-ball cricket, a format in which he is very good and known for his aggression.
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He said this in the context of Sarfaraz performing 12th man duties in the first Test, adding it is something that is considered disrespectful in Pakistan. The former captain also said that his presence will only put pressure on Mohammad Rizwan.
There is nothing wrong with that because even James Anderson carried drinks when he didn’t play in the second Test against West Indies. But in our cricket culture these things are not looked upon nicely and if they involve a former captain.
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Raja praised Sarfaraz’s limited-overs skills, saying he should bid farewell to Test cricket because he is unlikely to get a chance with Rizwan as primary wicket-keeper.
I don’t see him getting a chance in the Test format soon so he should focus on white-ball cricket where he will play and be respected as well. He being in the Test squad also adds pressure on Mohammad Rizwan who knows there is a former captain keeper breathing down his neck and that is not good for him. I think Sarfaraz should not be on the bench. He should call it a day from Test cricket.
Do you think Sarfaraz should retire from Test cricket? Let us know in the comments section.
