Kamran Ghulam, born on October 10, 1995, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has emerged as a significant figure in Pakistani cricket, particularly noted for his consistent performances in domestic circuits before making his mark at the international level. Ghulam, an elegant right-handed batsman and a handy left-arm spinner, has been a long-standing figure in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, known for his patience, technique, and ability to anchor innings.
Early Career and Domestic Success of Kamran GhulamÂ
Ghulam’s journey in cricket began with tape-ball cricket, a popular format in Pakistan, before he transitioned into the more structured domestic cricket scene. His talent was evident early on; he was part of Pakistan’s squad for the 2014 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he helped Pakistan reach the final, only to lose to South Africa. His performances in the U-19 level were a testament to his potential, showing both batting and bowling skills that would later define his career.
In domestic cricket, Kamran Ghulam has been a prolific run-scorer. He made his first-class debut for Abbottabad in 2013, and over the years, he has been one of the standout performers in Pakistan’s premier domestic tournaments like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His breakthrough came in the 2020-21 season when he became the first player to score over 1,000 runs in a single season of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, earning him the accolade of ‘Best Batsman’ of the tournament. His technique, characterized by a strong defensive game and the ability to convert starts into big scores, was well recognized.
Entry into International Cricket
Despite his domestic success, Ghulam’s international journey was slow to start. He made his ODI debut in a peculiar scenario as a concussion substitute for Haris Sohail against New Zealand in January 2023, where he did not get a chance to bat or bowl. His real test came when he was called up for the Test team in 2021 for series against South Africa, Bangladesh, and as a reserve for Australia, but opportunities were scarce until a significant call-up against England in 2024.
The Breakthrough Test Match
In October 2024, Kamran Ghulam finally made his Test debut against England in Multan, stepping into the shoes of the dropped Babar Azam, a move that was both controversial and scrutinous. On debut, Ghulam showcased his class by scoring a century, joining an elite list of Pakistan cricketers who’ve achieved this feat on their debut. This innings was a blend of patience and calculated aggression, scoring 118 runs off 224 balls, demonstrating why he had been a consistent performer in domestic cricket.
Today’s Innings Against South Africa
Fast forward to December 19, 2024, Kamran Ghulam played a match-defining innings against South Africa in an ODI in Cape Town. Batting at number six, he came to the crease with Pakistan needing momentum. His innings was nothing short of spectacular. Ghulam scored a rapid 63 runs off just 32 balls, including 4 fours and 5 sixes, pushing Pakistan’s total to a formidable 329. His strike rate was an impressive 196, showcasing a side of his game not often seen in longer formats but hinting at his adaptability and power-hitting capabilities in the shorter format. This knock was pivotal, lifting the team from a decent position to a commanding one, illustrating his capability to change the game’s complexion in a matter of overs. His performance was noted for its intent and execution, particularly under pressure, which has been a rare commodity in Pakistan’s middle order recently.
Playing Style and Impact
Ghulam’s batting style is often compared to that of Steve Smith for its quirkiness and resilience. He has a unique way of setting himself up to play each ball, often with an unorthodox stance, but once settled, he can be very hard to dislodge. His innings against South Africa today was a testament to his ability to shift gears, adapting from a steady, innings-building approach to aggressive, match-winning strokes.
His bowling, while not as celebrated as his batting, adds another dimension to his utility in the team. As a left-arm orthodox spinner, Kamran Ghulam can bowl tight, wicket-taking spells, particularly useful in the middle overs of ODIs or in the longer format when the ball is older.
Looking Forward
At 29, Kamran Ghulam is at a critical juncture where he needs to cement his place in the national side. His recent performances, especially his century on Test debut and the explosive innings against South Africa, have put him in the spotlight. If he continues this form, he could be a mainstay in Pakistan’s middle order across formats, offering both stability and an explosive finish when required.
His journey from domestic cricket’s consistent performer to an international hope has been marked by patience and perseverance. With his recent displays, Kamran Ghulam is not just making up for lost time but also setting the stage for what could be a long and illustrious career at the international level. His adaptability, both in terms of format and situation, makes him an exciting prospect for Pakistan cricket moving forward.
