'Not worth giving him a chance against India': Ramiz Raja urges Babar Azam to drop explosive batter from playing XI for tie against arch-rivals

Former Pakistan batter and the national cricket board chief, Ramiz Raja has made a special request to skipper Babar Azam ahead of the Men in Green's high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India.

SportsTak

• Fri • 01 Sep 2023

Former Pakistan batter and the national cricket board chief, Ramiz Raja has made a special request to skipper Babar Azam ahead of the Men in Green's high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India. Raja has urged Babar to axe opening batter Fakhar Zaman from the playing XI as the left-handed batter continues to throw his wicket away, leaving the side in precarious situations early in the innings. Raja wants a solid opening batter to be Imam-ul-Haq's ally, especially in the match against India.

"The big problem is Fakhar Zaman. He is an unorthodox hitter, but when someone like that gets out of form, it takes some time to find solutions on the drawing board. He's a bottom-handed player, plays on the leg-side, somehow he adjusts with that and scores," Raja said on his official YouTube channel.

"He played three matches against Afghanistan and couldn't make a mark as well. His body language is suffering, and Pakistan need an in-form opener. If Imam also gets dismissed cheaply, it creates pressure. Pakistan need to assess Fakhar. I believe they should rest him, give him some time out. Sidelining him is better for him as well as the Pakistan side. He's a good player, Pakistan has given him chances. But against India, with the form that he has, that chance is not worth being taken," he added.

In the opening match of the Asia Cup, Fakhar could only manage to score 14 runs off 20 balls against Nepal. It was a golden opportunity for the southpaw to find some form with the bat against an average bowling attack and in a batting paradise. In the three matches against Afghanistan leading into the Asia Cup, Fakhar accumulated just 59 runs in three innings.

Babar and Pakistan's think tank have a crucial decision to make ahead of the marquee contest against the Men in Blue. It would be interesting to see whether Fakhar gets another chance, solely based on his reputation or whether he gets sidelined due to poor production with the bat.

The match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to be held on September 2 (Saturday) in Pallekele.