Danish Kaneria criticized Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for their ineffective batting in the ICC Champions Trophy, particularly against stronger teams. He highlighted Babar’s lack of intent in scoring runs and Rizwan’s diminished form. Kaneria called for a more structured approach in player selection and leadership stability to enhance Pakistan’s cricketing performance.
Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has criticized Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for their disappointing performances in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. He noted that while Babar managed 64 runs against New Zealand chasing 321, his innings lacked aggression, generating substantial criticism from fans and analysts alike. Similarly, Rizwan’s performance against India with just 46 runs in 77 balls reflected a similar conservative approach, hampering Pakistan’s ability to reach competitive totals.
Kaneria pointed out that Babar only scores significantly against weaker teams like Zimbabwe, indicating a lack of intent against stronger opponents. He expressed concern over the depth and strength of the Pakistani batting lineup, indicating that players such as Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah have contributed sporadically. Furthermore, he mentioned that Rizwan’s recent batting form has diminished, raising doubts about his position and leadership in the team.
Babar has not recorded an international century since August 2023, with a string of modest scores following that high. Despite Rizwan’s decent average in recent ODIs, his strike rate continues to lag behind his usual performance, which has negatively impacted Pakistan’s cricketing success. Kaneria suggested that consistent changes in captaincy have undermined the team’s stability and performance.
He proposed that Rizwan should remain as captain due to the presence of experienced leaders within the squad, emphasizing the need for a unified approach in leadership. Furthermore, Kaneria speculated on the potential rise of Saud Shakeel as a prospective new captain, while also recognizing Fakhar Zaman as a possible alternative, given his bold playing style.
For the future, Kaneria advocated for a more structured selection policy within the Pakistan cricket committee. He suggested that players should undergo evaluations over a year, and performance should guide selection rather than affection or public relations considerations. He concluded that achieving significant results requires a shift in mindset within the team.
Kaneria’s critiques underscore a pressing need for improvement in the performances of Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan, particularly against stronger opponents. The call for leadership stability and a reassessment of player selections emphasizes the urgent need for Pakistan cricket to strategize effectively for future competitions. With proposed changes in leadership and selection policies, the hope is that the team will become more competitive on the international stage.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
