Shane Watson: “He’s just his natural leader anyway. So even if he doesn’t ever have a C beside his name, he certainly knows how to be able to add [the] value he needs to”
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Quetta Gladiators head coach Shane Watson said Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed is a “natural leader.”
Sarfaraz was removed as the Gladiators’ captain ahead of the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and replaced by South Africa batsman Rilee Rossouw.
Despite losing the leadership role, the 36-year-old still supported Rossouw a lot, which is something that really impressed Watson.
“He’s such a great leader and he leads on the field whether he’s got the C placed beside his name or not. He’s been exceptional. The support that he gives him (Rilee) has been exceptional,” the former Australia all-rounder told Geo News.
“So, it’s a real credit to Sarfraz the ways he’s taken it on and he continues to lead. He’s just his natural leader anyway. So even if he doesn’t ever have a C beside his name, he certainly knows how to be able to add [the] value he needs to.”
The Gladiators managed to make it to the playoffs in PSL 9, but lost to eventual champions Islamabad United by 39 runs in Eliminator 1.
Pakistan’s next assignment will be a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18 to 27.
Quetta Gladiators Squad for PSL 9: Rilee Rossouw (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim, Jason Roy, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Will Smeed, Saud Shakeel, Sajjad Ali, Usman Qadir, Omair Bin Yousuf, Adil Naz, Khawaja Nafay, Akeal Hosein, Sohail Khan, Laurie Evans, Bismillah Khan
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