Gavaskar Makes Shocking Claim On Pakistan (Source: @mahabilal297758/x.com, @ICC/x.com)
The Champions Trophy has just started and that has become an end for the for the hosts. After facing a defeat against India, they were almost out of the semifinal road and New Zealand’s recent triumph over Bangladesh finalized their exclusion from the next stage.
After that horrible performance on the big stage, criticism came all the way for the ‘Men in Green’. Adding to this, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar made a shocking comment, says a B squad could pose a serious challenge to the current Pakistani side.
Gavaskar’s Shocking Claim
As the Champions Trophy came back to cricket arena after a long, Pakistan is hosting the marquee event. But the hosts failed to maintain long run. After starting the tournament with a tough defeat against New Zealand, they failed to recover their form while facing India in their second match. Even before stepping into their last group stage match, they are already out of the semifinal stage. After that horrible performance, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar came up with a shocking comment.
“I think a B team certainly (can give Pakistan a run for their money). C team, I am not too sure. But a B team will be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form.” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar Reacts to Pakistan’s Struggles Against India
Every ICC tournaments become more interesting with a new chapter of the iconic India-Pakistan rivalry. Depending on that, fans expected a thriller but Rizwan and Co.'s performance disappointed them. After a promising start, they lost momentum, ultimately costing them the match. Reflecting on this, the Indian great questioned their bench strength and their techniques.
“The first ball (Mohammad) Rizwan faced, he hit for a boundary. Straightaway, I thought there would be a change in approach because, until then, it was all about knocking the ball around. But nothing changed. Before they knew it, the Indian spinners were finishing their overs quickly. It was quite surprising that nothing went their way.” Gavaskar said.
“I think it's surprising-this lack of bench strength. Pakistan always had natural talent. Natural in the sense that they may not have always been technically correct, but they had an instinctive understanding of bat and ball. Look at Inzamam-ul-Haq, for example. If you look at his stance, you wouldn't recommend that to a young batter, but he had great temperament. With that kind of temperament, he made up for any technical shortcomings.” he added.
PSL Exists, But Where’s the Bench Strength?
Domestic tournaments and franchise leagues are key talent hubs, giving young players a platform to shine. The IPL has been a game-changer for Indian cricket, but Pakistan’s talent scouting through the PSL hasn’t been as effective. That has become one of the reasons of their struggle. Gavaskar highlighted this issue and questioned on that.
"It's surprising that Pakistan have not been able to produce such talents. They also have the Pakistan Super League. How has India produced so many young stars in white-ball cricket? It's because of the IPL.” he said.
“Players from there have gone on to play in the Ranji Trophy and eventually for India. That is something Pakistan cricket must analyse. They need to figure out why they no longer have the bench strength they once did.” he added.
After being out of the semifinal race, Pakistan is all set to face Bangladesh in their last group stage match. Before stepping into the clash, both sides are standing on the same page as they are stil looking for their first win in this tournament. As the Rawalpindi Stadium is set to host the clash, fans are hoping for a thrilling contest.
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