by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Pakistan’s Test middle-order batsman, Saud Shakeel, has affirmed his dedication to securing victories for Pakistan in the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. In a recent interview with a local news channel, Shakeel emphasized the importance of meticulous preparation for international tours and expressed his commitment to contributing to the team’s success.
“Whenever you go on any tour, you prepare accordingly and try to prepare for the scenarios that you are likely to encounter, and you practice in accordance with the Tests that you will be facing. In the same way, I have practiced my special skills recently as well,” Saud Shakeel stated.
The 28-year-old player emphasized that his primary goal is to contribute to the team’s triumphs rather than chasing personal milestones.
“I don’t think in a way that I have to score centuries or become the top scorer. My personal goal is to contribute to the team’s victory whenever I perform,” he said.
While acknowledging his previous experience as a captain in age group cricket, Shakeel clarified that, at this early stage of his career, his focus is on securing victories for Pakistan.
“If you’re talking about age group cricket, then yes, I have captained. However, right now, I’m not thinking about these things because it’s the early stage of my career. My entire focus is on winning matches for Pakistan whenever I perform,” he explained.
During a media conference after today’s training session, Shakeel shared insights into the camaraderie within the team, highlighting the light-hearted banter with fellow teammates, including former captain Babar Azam.
“Babar called me ‘chota don’ in fun. When he was the captain, even then he used to do that often. That’s his way of showing affection,” Shakeel said.
Addressing the misconception that players prioritize personal achievements over team success, Saud firmly stated, “This perception is wrong that anyone is playing for their personal achievements. You are always playing for Pakistan when you are wearing a star.”
Highlighting the sense of national pride that comes with representing the country, Saud stressed that every player wears the national colors with dedication and commitment. “On the day, it is my topmost priority to contribute to Pakistan’s win whenever I perform,” he affirmed.
It is worth noting that the middle-order batsman is closing in on 1000 Test runs, having scored an impressive 875 runs in seven Tests. To match Vinod Kambli’s record as the fastest Asian to reach 1000 Test runs in 14 innings, Shakeel needs to score 15 runs in the first innings of the opening Test match.
