Shadab aims to lead Islamabad to HBL PSL 7 final after missing out on last year

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Having won 8 out of 10 matches during their run to the play-offs, Islamabad United were one of the strongest performing teams in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021. However, despite their scintillating performances, Shadab-led team could not outperform out-perform Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the all-rounder spoke about the disappointment of not carrying their form forward in the play-offs, Shadab said that this is the beauty of the T20 cricket as whoever performs better on the day stands the chance of winning the game.

“There is still some disappointment as we performed well in the group stages but we could not replicate the same form. We lost tosses on both occasions; while that plays a role but it is also something that is out of your hands. We were not up to the mark,” said Shadab.

“They [United management] made me a captain at a very young age and they showed a lot of trust by keeping me on as the leader despite unfavourable results in the first campaign. Once you feel the trust factor, it does give you a lot of confidence and that was shown on the field in PSL 2021,” explained Shadab.

In addition to that, Shadab further added that he learned from his mistakes and that helped him transform himself into a better leader.

“You learn on the job; not only as a player but also as a captain. After my first stint as a captain, I realised my mistakes and I improved on them in the following season. After failing to make a mark in the play-offs, the aim is also to learn from that and improve in the upcoming edition,” said Shadab.

Shadab explained that he has a knack for the game and he tries to learn more about it by watching different matches and listening to commentators.

“I love the game and I love watching cricket as well. This is why I try to watch different games and listening to what the commentary panel has to say. In addition to that, you also learn more when you are in the ground, which is why I try to spend more time in the middle and that has helped me thus far,” Shadab explained.

Shadab further explained how listening to Ashes commentary was something which he thoroughly enjoyed as of late.

“Recently Ashes was taking place and legendary players such as Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Mike Hussey were joining the commentary panel and I enjoyed that a lot. Although the format is changed but they explain tactics, field placements, and batting techniques,” Shadab added.

Talking about the importance of match-ups and data in modern-day cricket, Shadab said that PSL is no different.

“Our franchise also hugely relies on data-driven approach. Being the captain, we study the match-ups beforehand and we try to implement them to the best of our abilities once we step onto the pitch. I firmly believe in this approach as well and it provides you ease and things become relatively easy for you,” Shadab explained.