Pakistan’s cricketing era under Mike Hesson has started on the perfect note, and the Kiwi’s coaching philosophy may be behind this quick turnaround in the team’s fortunes.
For the first time since his appointment, Hesson publicly shared his vision for the team during a podcast with the PCB. “I try to maximize talent, that’s the role of any head coach, and I guess I try to do that by building relationships,” Hesson said. “I believe you can only coach a player once you understand the path they have been through,” he added.
The New Zealander was also quick to point out the reason why Pakistan has failed to form an identity on the international stage.
“Pakistan has been exposed to lots of different coaches. So they’ve been told lots of different things and have tried different things, but they have ended up where they are for a reason. So my philosophy is to try and understand that and add value around that rather than dictate the way they want to play,” he concluded.
PCB hired Mike Hesson to not only bring some much-needed stability to the international side but to usher in a new era of limited-overs cricket for the team. The signs thus far have been positive, with Pakistan still undefeated under his tenure.
The fans also seem to be enjoying this new approach, as was evident in the third T20I with a packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
With big tournaments ahead, Hesson’s calm, methodical approach might be just what Pakistan needs to move forward not just for now, but for the future too. There will be tougher tests ahead, but the new coach and his team appear primed for the challenge.