Pakistan middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz says being dropped from the national side forced him to return to basics, and that performing against the world’s top-ranked team has rebuilt his confidence.
Speaking to reporters at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Hasan said the recall against India was especially meaningful, since it was the same opposition he had struggled against before losing his place.
The plan: Hasan Nawaz comeback
“When I was dropped from the team, Mike and other coaches gave me a plan, which I worked on,” Hasan said, referring to head coach Mike Hesson.
That plan took him back to the grassroots. “I returned to basics and played with local cricketers on different grounds across Punjab,” he said, crediting the grind of domestic and club cricket for restoring his belief.
The recall carried an extra edge: it came against India, the same opposition Hasan had struggled against before being dropped. Scoring against them meant more because of that history, and because of where India sit in the world game.
Performing against India
Hasan’s return came against the sternest test available. “There is no hiding that they (India) are the number one team in the world currently, and performing against them gives me a lot of confidence,” he said.
The outing ended in defeat. India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games final, with Pakistan reaching 192 for six chasing 212 at Nisshin to take the silver medal. “We couldn’t win the match, which was a sad feeling,” Hasan admitted.
FAQs
Why was Hasan Nawaz dropped?
He struggled for form and lost his place in the national side, including against India, before being sent back to domestic cricket.
What did Mike Hesson’s plan involve?
A return to basics: domestic and local cricket on different grounds across Punjab to rebuild technique and confidence.
Who is Mike Hesson?
The head coach of the Pakistan national team, who laid out the back-to-basics plan Hasan followed during his time out of the side.
How did he do on his return?
He scored against India, the world’s top-ranked side, though Pakistan lost the Asian Games final by 19 runs and took silver.
He scored against India, the world’s top-ranked side, though Pakistan lost the Asian Games final by 19 runs and took silver.
Hesson has publicly backed the young batter, saying the door remains open for players who show form and discipline in domestic cricket.
Related stories
- Hasan Nawaz’s 96 Against India Wins Praise From Afridi and Yousuf
- Mike Hesson Has Been Called to England
Originally reported by tribune.com.pk.
