'Fakhar Zaman has disappointed me'- Gautam Gambhir

image-l7ws0ox8Fakhar Zaman [Image Credits- Twitter]

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has reckoned that Pakistan's batting is more dependent on wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and not on their out-of-form skipper, Babar Azam.

Rizwan has been the lynchpin of Pakistan's batting in Asia Cup 2022 even as his partner, Babar, has struggled for runs.

In 5 innings so far, Rizwan has so far scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 118.95 with the help of two 50+ scores as opposed to 63 runs from Babar in as many outings.

But, for Gambhir, it's not Babar, who has been the biggest disappointment from Pakistan in this Asia Cup, it's Fakhar Zaman.

Zaman has been woeful in the ongoing continental tournament, managing just 96 runs in 5 innings at an average of 19.20, and a strike rate of 104.35.

With Babar not in form, Gambhir believes Fakhar needs to step up in the final to relieve pressure off Rizwan.

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the Asia Cup final, Gautam Gambhir said:

"I don't think they have that much over-dependency on Babar Azam, considering his form in this tournament and despite that, they are playing the final. So it is a good thing from their point of view," as quoted by India Today.

"They are definitely dependent on Rizwan because he is their aggressor and he gives them the momentum any team wants in the first six overs. Babar is world class, he can come in form anytime but Fakhar Zaman has disappointed me. It is extremely important for Fakhar Zaman to come in form."

Gautam Gambhir criticises Babar Azam's approach

image-l7wrxjq9Babar Azam cleaned up by Wanindu Hasaranga [Image Credits- Twitter]

Gambhir was also critical of Babar's approach in the last Super-4 fixture against Sri Lanka.

Babar consumed 29 deliveries for his 30 runs before getting knocked over by Wanindu Hasaranga.

Speaking on Azam's approach, Gambhir said that the Pakistani skipper is not going to find form by eating up deliveries, adding that the opener needs to be more proactive in his approach to regain his confidence.

"It is not easy to play big hits. When you are batting against Hasaranga or Theekshana, it is not easy for any batter. But the dot ball percentage surprised me in the last match and that too Babar Azam. You don't get your form by playing 15 overs, you get your form by scoring runs and playing good shots.

"Babar Azam is right now among the top four batters in world cricket and despite that, if you are struggling to find singles and doubles, then either your form is bad or your mental aspect is that you came thinking that you just have to play 15-20 overs to get your form," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan bowlers have put their side on top in the ongoing Asia Cup final. At the time of writing,

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