Danish Kaneria criticized Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for their disappointing performances in the ICC Champions Trophy, which contributed to Pakistan’s early elimination. Both players showcased a lack of intent against strong teams, primarily scoring against weaker opponents. Kaneria emphasized the need for leadership change and a merit-based selection process to improve the team’s future outlook.
Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria criticized the batting performances of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. His comments came after both players failed to deliver against strong opponents, managing just modest scores of 87 and 49 runs in matches against Bangladesh and India. Their lackluster performances contributed significantly to Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament.
Babar’s slow knock of 64 off 90 balls against New Zealand, while chasing a target of 321 runs, drew substantial criticism. Similarly, Rizwan’s cautious innings of 46 runs off 77 balls against India only yielded a final total of 241 for Pakistan, cementing their defeat. Kaneria emphasized that both players often accumulate runs against weaker teams, citing a lack of competitive edge against formidable opponents as a primary concern.
Kaneria expressed that, despite Babar’s talent, his recent scoring sprees often occur against less challenging teams. He remarked, “Babar has not scored runs for so long. But when he scores, it is against Zimbabwe or against smaller teams.” He voiced concerns about the overall depth in the batting lineup, highlighting the need for more impactful contributions from players beyond the usual top order.
Additionally, he commented on the durability of Rizwan’s performance and hinted at a stagnation in his batting style, stating that he has not achieved notable strike rates lately. Kaneria suggested that if Rizwan continues as captain, it should be alongside experienced team members who can provide strategic inputs, reinforcing that constant changes in captaincy could lead to instability.
The former cricketer further pointed out that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may favor captains who align with its agendas, implying that the dynamic within the team might lead to more candidates like Saud Shakeel being considered for leadership roles. Kaneria suggested that creativity and fearlessness, like those exhibited by veteran player Fakhar Zaman, could inject vitality into the team’s performance, highlighting the necessity of allowing diverse approaches to flourish.
Kaneria concluded with a call for a more systematic and transparent approach to player selection, emphasizing the need for results-driven evaluations. He stated that a true commitment to the national team should supersede personal relationships and politics within the organization. He firmly believes that prioritizing team performance will yield better outcomes for Pakistan cricket.
Danish Kaneria’s sharp critique of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan underscores pressing issues in the Pakistan cricket team, particularly concerning their performances against stronger opponents. His insights into potential leadership changes and the need for a more results-oriented selection process highlight a need for revitalization in the team’s strategy moving forward. Ultimately, fostering a culture that prioritizes merit and intent over established relationships may be crucial for future successes.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
