Gwalior, Nov 16: Former captain Aamer Sohail has suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should again use the services of ex-coach of Javed Miandad.

“We really need a shrewd strategist like Miandad who knows the strengths and weaknesses of these players in and out, ” Sohail told The News in an interview at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium here during the fourth ODI between India and Pakistan, which the visitors lost by 6 wickets.

He pointed out that several Pakistani players like leg-spinner Danish Kaneria and pacer Mohammad Sami were at their best in 2003 when Miandad was coach.

“Sometimes you feel as if Shoaib (Malik) is clueless on the field. He doesn’t know what to do in tight situations. I believe the captain needs a solid support staff which can read conditions for him and do the necessary planning, ” Sohail added.

He went on to say that Pakistani players needed to shed their timid approach and play more positive cricket to give the home team a fight in the remaining one-day match and the three Tests to be followed.

“You can’t afford to be timid against India in India, and only a positive approach can help Pakistan on this tour, ” he said.

“The problem with our team is that most of the players are playing to retain their places in the side which is why they lack the intensity needed to win in India, ” he added.

“There are eleven men in this side who are not sure whether they would be retained for the next match and that uncertainty I believe is the reason why Pakistan have failed to impress much on this tour, ” Sohail said.

He emphasised the need for giving the players more confidence, so that they could concentrate on their game without bothering about whether they would be retained for the next match or not.

“The players will stop playing for themselves if the captain and team officials assure them they will continue to play no matter what. That is the kind of security a player needs to shine in high-pressure matches against India, ” said the former Test opener. (ANI)