In a bold statement that has stirred the cricketing world, Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson has declared Mohammad Nawaz as the best spinner in T20 International (T20I) cricket ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. This claim, made on the eve of Pakistan’s opening match against Oman on September 12, 2025, in Dubai, has sparked intense debate, especially given Nawaz’s current ICC T20I bowling ranking of 30 and the presence of other globally celebrated spinners like India’s Kuldeep Yadav. Hesson’s endorsement of Nawaz, a left-arm spinner who recently achieved a rare five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, against Afghanistan, reflects confidence in Pakistan’s spin bowling arsenal as they prepare for high-stakes encounters, including a marquee clash against India. This article delves into Hesson’s claim, Nawaz’s recent performances, Pakistan’s spin bowling depth, and the broader context of T20I spin bowling in 2025.
Mohammad Nawaz’s Resurgent Form
Mohammad Nawaz, a 31-year-old all-rounder, has been a vital cog in Pakistan’s T20I setup since his debut in 2016. Known for his ability to bowl tight overs and contribute with the bat, Nawaz has had a rollercoaster career, often overshadowed by more prominent names in Pakistan’s cricketing ranks. However, 2025 has been a breakout year for the left-arm spinner. His standout performance came in the tri-nation T20I series final against Afghanistan on September 7, 2025, at Sharjah, where he claimed a five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, a feat achieved by only two other Pakistani bowlers in T20Is. This performance earned him the Player of the Series award, with 10 wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 11.70. Overall, Nawaz has taken 20 wickets in T20Is in 2025, averaging just 10.90, showcasing his ability to choke opposition batters in the middle overs.
Hesson’s praise for Nawaz is rooted in this resurgence. “We’ve got Mohammad Nawaz, who’s the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, and he’s been ranked that way over the last six months since he’s come back on the side,” Hesson stated in a press conference. While the claim that Nawaz has been “ranked that way” is questionable—given his ICC ranking of 30—it underscores Hesson’s belief in Nawaz’s current form and his pivotal role in Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign. Nawaz’s ability to bowl economically and take wickets in clutch situations, particularly on spin-friendly UAE pitches, makes him a formidable weapon. His hat-trick against Afghanistan, dismissing three batters in consecutive deliveries, demonstrated his knack for breaking partnerships and turning games.
Pakistan’s Spin Bowling Depth
Hesson’s confidence in Nawaz is part of a broader narrative about Pakistan’s spin bowling strength. The team boasts five spinners in their Asia Cup squad, a strategic choice given the spin-conducive conditions in the UAE. Alongside Nawaz, Pakistan has wrist spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, who have also impressed in recent outings. Abrar, known for his mystery spin, and Muqeem, a young leg-spinner, add variety to the attack. Additionally, all-rounders Saim Ayub, ranked among the top 10 T20I all-rounders, and captain Salman Ali Agha, a Test spinner, provide further spin options. Hesson emphasized this depth, stating, “The beauty of our side is we’ve got five spinners… it doesn’t really matter about the surface as much.”
This spin-heavy approach is tailored for the UAE, where pitches historically assist spinners, especially in the middle overs. Pakistan’s recent success in a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE, where they emerged victorious, further bolsters Hesson’s confidence. Nawaz’s performance in that series, coupled with contributions from Abrar and Muqeem, highlights Pakistan’s ability to dominate with spin. However, Hesson’s claim that Nawaz is the world’s best spinner has raised eyebrows, particularly when compared to other top spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, who recently took 4/7 against the UAE in the Asia Cup, earning Player of the Match honors.
The Kuldeep Yadav Comparison
Kuldeep Yadav, India’s wrist-spinner, has been a standout performer in T20Is, with his variations and ability to deceive batters making him a global star. His performance against the UAE, where he bowled a spell of 4/7, underscored his dominance in the format. Kuldeep’s ability to turn the ball both ways and maintain a tight economy rate has made him a mainstay in India’s T20I side. Yet, Hesson’s decision to name Nawaz over Kuldeep as the best spinner has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a psychological ploy ahead of the India-Pakistan clash on September 14, 2025.
Critics point out that Nawaz’s ICC ranking of 30 contrasts sharply with Kuldeep’s higher standing and consistent performances. Nawaz has played 71 T20Is, taking 70 wickets at an average of around 22, respectable but not exceptional compared to Kuldeep’s sharper numbers. However, Hesson’s claim may be less about statistics and more about Nawaz’s specific impact in recent matches and his suitability to UAE conditions. Nawaz’s left-arm orthodox spin, combined with his all-round contributions, gives Pakistan a unique edge, especially in the absence of senior batters like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Psychological Warfare or Genuine Belief?
Hesson’s bold statement has been interpreted by some as a mind game ahead of the high-stakes India-Pakistan encounter. The rivalry between the two teams is legendary, and pre-match rhetoric often plays a role in setting the tone. By labeling Nawaz the best spinner, Hesson may be aiming to boost his player’s confidence while putting pressure on India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy. The comparison to former Pakistan captain Imran Khan’s confident claims about his players in the 1980s, as noted by some media, adds a nostalgic twist to Hesson’s approach. However, the lack of statistical backing—Nawaz’s ICC ranking and the presence of higher-ranked spinners like Sufiyan Muqeem (ranked 15)—suggests that Hesson’s statement is more motivational than factual.
Pakistan’s Team Dynamics in 2025
Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad reflects a team in transition. The absence of stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has placed the spotlight on younger players and all-rounders like Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman. Hesson acknowledged the batting unit’s inexperience, describing it as a “developing batting line-up” with potential but inconsistency. Players like Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, and Mohammad Haris are expected to lead the batting, while the bowling unit, particularly the spinners, is seen as Pakistan’s strength. The pace attack, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and others, complements the spin-heavy strategy, making Pakistan a balanced side on paper.
Nawaz’s dual role as a bowler and lower-order batter adds significant value. His ability to chip in with crucial runs, as seen in past T20Is, makes him a versatile asset. Hesson’s faith in Nawaz may also stem from his all-round contributions, which provide Pakistan with flexibility in team selection and strategy. With Saim Ayub’s rise as a top-10 all-rounder and Salman Ali Agha’s spin-bowling capabilities, Pakistan’s squad is well-equipped to adapt to varying conditions.
The Broader T20I Spin Landscape
The debate over the “best spinner” in T20Is extends beyond Nawaz and Kuldeep. Spinners like Rashid Khan, Adil Rashid, and Wanindu Hasaranga have consistently dominated the format with their variations and wicket-taking abilities. Rashid Khan, in particular, remains a benchmark for T20I spinners, with his leg-spin and deceptive googlies. Nawaz’s recent performances, while impressive, do not yet place him in the same echelon, making Hesson’s claim a point of contention. The UAE’s spin-friendly pitches, however, could level the playing field, allowing Nawaz to shine in the Asia Cup.
In Summary
Mike Hesson’s declaration of Mohammad Nawaz as the best spinner in T20Is has ignited a firestorm of discussion, blending praise for Nawaz’s recent heroics with skepticism over his global standing. Nawaz’s five-wicket haul and hat-trick against Afghanistan, combined with his all-round contributions, justify Hesson’s confidence to an extent. However, the claim overlooks spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, who have delivered consistently on bigger stages. As Pakistan prepares to face India in the Asia Cup, Nawaz will have the chance to prove his coach right. Whether Hesson’s statement is a tactical mind game or a genuine belief, it has added intrigue to an already electric tournament. With Pakistan’s spin depth and Nawaz’s form, the team is poised for a strong showing, but only time will tell if Nawaz can truly claim the mantle of the world’s best spinner.
