Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has urged wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris to work on his “decision-making” with the bat after the youngster was left out of the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
Haris, 24, who made his T20I debut in 2022, has featured in 35 matches, scoring 555 runs at an average of 17.34, with one century and a half-century to his name. Despite showing glimpses of promise, his inconsistency has cost him a place in Pakistan’s latest T20 setup.
The right-hander was part of the side that finished runners-up in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. Although he started the tournament strongly with a composed half-century against Oman, he struggled for runs in the latter stages, ending the campaign with 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83.
Addressing reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Hesson said Haris had received ample opportunities to establish himself but failed to convert them into consistent performances.
“Mohammad Haris has had plenty of chances, and even he would admit he hasn’t made the most of them,” Hesson said. “I wouldn’t say his career is over, but he needs to improve his decision-making with the bat. Even in domestic cricket, his average is around 17 — the same as in international cricket.”
Hesson backed the selection of Usman Khan as Haris’s replacement, citing the right-hander’s strong ability to handle spin and his suitability for middle-order roles — crucial for upcoming assignments in the subcontinent.
“Usman Khan is a very good player of spin,” Hesson explained. “We see a wicketkeeper batting more through the middle than at the top, and playing spin well will be vital in Sri Lankan conditions for the World Cup. That’s why Usman has been given this opportunity.”
Pakistan will take on South Africa in a three-match home T20I series from October 28 to November 1, with the first match to be played in Rawalpindi, followed by two games at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
