KNOWN cricket commentator Ramiz Raja recently suggested handing the Test captaincy to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. I think it is premature to burden any young player with such a huge responsibility.

Leading a Test side is completely different from leading a T20 side. Rizwan definitely did a commendable job leading a T20 side, but a Test match is totally different.

Besides, Rizwan is relatively a new member of the Test side. He should first acquire experience of playing in Test matches for at least a couple of years before being assigned a leadership role.

My suggestion would be to reinstate Sarfaraz Ahmed as the Test captain and make Rizwan his deputy. In this way, the young man will gain experience both in terms of Test cricket and leadership.

S. Yadullah Haider
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2020