Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has stayed back with his coaching staff to work on how the team can overcome arch-rivals India ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) has learnt from sources, Hesson, along with bowling coach Ashle Noffke and fielding coach Shane McDermott, chose not to return home after the Asia Cup, using the period instead to identify recurring issues in Pakistan’s performances against India.
Pakistan lost all three encounters against their neighbours in the tournament, including the final, exposing recurring flaws — from handling pressure to faltering batting momentum and inconsistent fielding.
Batting Freeze Under Pressure A Major Concern
Hesson admitted Pakistan’s batting went flat after a flying start in the second match, when they raced to 93 by the tenth over but finished at 171 for 5 in 20 overs.
The team lost tempo suddenly after a great start.
He has been closely analysing the collapse with batting coach Hanif Malik, noting a similar loss of rhythm in the final when Pakistan managed only 146 despite another strong platform.
Fielding Lapses Under Scrutiny
Hesson has also demanded sharper fielding standards after Pakistan’s costly errors in the final. Sanju Samson was dropped at a crucial stage, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris missed a run-out opportunity against Tilak Verma — both pivotal moments in the contest.
The defeats stretched Pakistan’s losing streak against India to eight successive international matches — five T20Is since November 2022 and three ODIs since the 2023 Asia Cup.
Tough Talks And Leadership Review
Sources said Hesson has held one-on-one meetings with key players including captain Salman Agha, Mohammad Haris, and Haris Rauf.
Haris missing a run out was crucial and he was told to practise more and more.
Hesson has also urged Agha to be more proactive as captain. “Agha’s defensive captaincy and not using himself when two left-handers – Verma and Dube – were at the crease was discussed. He was told not to hide himself and to lead from the front,” said the source.
Despite pressure from the selection panel for a change, Hesson has defended Agha and wants him to continue as skipper, insisting on stability before the World Cup.
Continuity Before Change
Pakistan will next play a T20I tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka next month, followed by a three-match ODI home series against Sri Lanka. They will also face Australia in three ODIs before heading into the World Cup.
Hesson wants continuity and will only go for changes after the World Cup.
