Should a Once-Great Player Be Dropped?
Not necessarily. The real question shouldn’t be whether he is better than his previous best, but whether he is still better than the replacement options.
Take Steve Smith, for example. Despite facing a few challenging tours and maintaining his average in the mid-40s over the past year, there was never a point where dropping him was considered. His overall skill and experience still made him a valuable player.
Similarly, consider Haris Rauf. He had a mini-peak during the early parts of the Asia Cup, showcasing impressive bowling by using the wide of the crease and hitting the 6-7 meter region with seam movement. However, as the season progressed, he lost some precision, compounded by a minor injury that affected his confidence. This was especially challenging with Naseem Shah out, requiring Rauf to take more overs up front.
Despite these setbacks, Rauf’s unique abilities and what he brings to the table are unmatched. His potential to deliver crucial performances and the specific skills he offers cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, the decision to drop a player should consider their current performance relative to available alternatives rather than a comparison to their peak form.
