T20 World Cup: Mike Hesson Addresses Pakistan Team Changes After India Defeat

The 61-run defeat against India in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered significant tactical shifts within the Pakistan cricket team. Since that loss, the team management has been experimenting with various combinations and strategies in every subsequent match. Although Pakistan has successfully qualified for the Super-8 stage, the performance of key players and the decisions made by the management remain under intense scrutiny. Ahead of their crucial Super-8 encounter against New Zealand, Head Coach Mike Hesson provided a detailed account of the team's internal dynamics and future roadmap. According to Hesson, while the loss to India had a psychological impact, the focus has now shifted entirely to the upcoming challenges.

Mike Hesson on Babar Azam's Specific Role and Strike Rate

During a press conference held before the Super-8 match against New Zealand, Mike Hesson addressed the ongoing debate regarding captain Babar Azam's batting approach and his specific role in the lineup. Hesson stated that the team requires a very specific role from Babar, and the player is fully aware of these expectations. The coach acknowledged that Babar is cognizant of his strike rate being below 100 during the powerplay overs in this World Cup, which has been a point of discussion. Hesson emphasized that Babar remains an excellent player for the middle overs, particularly in situations where the team faces early setbacks. Citing the match against the USA, the coach noted that once Babar settles in, he possesses the capability to accelerate his scoring rate effectively.

Tactical Shifts and Shaheen Afridi's Exclusion Against Namibia

In their final group stage match against Namibia, the Pakistan management made two major decisions that raised eyebrows: the exclusion of premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the playing XI and the alteration of Babar Azam's batting position. While some viewed these moves as a direct fallout of the India defeat, Hesson clarified that they were purely tactical. According to the coach, Salman Mirza deserved an opportunity to showcase his skills. Regarding Babar's batting order, Hesson explained that the decision was based on the pitch conditions. With left-arm spinners operating and the ball turning, the management felt it was unwise to send two right-handers together, leading to a strategic promotion of a left-handed batsman to maintain the right-left combination.

Clarification on Viral Video Incident Involving Salman Ali Aga

A video clip featuring Mike Hesson and Salman Ali Aga during the Namibia match recently went viral, leading to speculation about internal friction within the squad, while hesson addressed the issue, stating that the footage was completely misinterpreted by the public. He clarified that the conversation was regarding Mohammad Nawaz being asked to pad up as a left-handed option. According to Hesson, Salman Ali Aga was frustrated with the manner of his dismissal, which led him to throw a water bottle on the ground. The coach asserted that this display of emotion was unrelated to their conversation or any disciplinary issues within the team, emphasizing that the atmosphere remains professional.

Pakistan's Strategic Outlook for the Super-8 Stage

As Pakistan prepares for its first Super-8 fixture against New Zealand, the team is focusing on a flexible strategic approach based on match conditions. Following the defeat to India, particular attention is being paid to the middle-order stability and powerplay aggression. According to officials, the management is now more inclined to give opportunities to players who can maintain a high scoring rate under pressure, while there are indications that the bowling unit might also see minor adjustments to counter New Zealand's strong batting lineup. The coaching staff has been working closely with the players to ensure that the tactical errors committed in the group stage aren't repeated in the knockout-style environment of the Super-8.

Addressing Internal Team Dynamics and Player Performance

Responding to questions about team unity and discipline, Hesson maintained that the squad remains cohesive despite the external pressure. The management believes that the senior players, including Babar Azam, need to take greater responsibility as the tournament progresses into its most critical phase. According to team sources, special training sessions have been conducted to improve performance against both spin and pace, while the focus is on ensuring that the players are mentally prepared for high-stakes matches. Hesson concluded by stating that the team's primary objective is to achieve consistency in performance, which has been lacking in some of the earlier matches of the tournament.