Former Pakistan cricketers Abdul Razzaq and Sikander Bakht have criticised skipper Babar Azam's approach in the ongoing World Cup 2023. They want Babar to learn from Indian captain Rohit Sharma who has been showing attacking intent irrespective of the pitch conditions and bowling attack.
“We kept talking about No. 1 batter in the World. I want to ask whether it helps in getting good contracts,” former Pakistan pacer Bakht said on Geo Super.
“Aisa lag raha class mey No 1 and matric ke imtihaan mey fail (It looks like he tops in the class but fails in the matric exam),” added Bakht.
Razzaq went on to say that Babar is not a world-class batter. He took names of legendary players who had an impact on the game.
“No 1 batter is Fakhar Zaman. All New Zealand batters were praising him. Our captain doesn’t have that class. Look at Rohit, he is ready to score 10 runs in the first over and then 15 in the second. Our captain has different playing style, but he should see what Rohit is doing.
“World class players are the ones who take the game away from the opposition. In our time, it was Matthew Hayden, Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting,” said the former Pakistan all-rounder.
Razzaq also lauded the camaraderie in the Indian team as they are enjoying each other's success. He credited Rohit for the environment in the dressing room.
“They are playing for their nation. Look at Virat Kohli’s reaction when other batters hit the runs, he celebrates like he has scored one.
“Bowlers are attacking, batters are attacking. Two months ago, Pakistan bowlers were attacking and that’s why we were doing so well. We called them World No 1 attack. The same unit is not taking the wickets, now we are questioning our bowlers, it happens in cricket. I will give this credit to Rohit Sharma for his team unity and with the confidence they are playing,” he said.
Razzaq also feels that India's unbeaten streak in the tournament is also because of their home conditions and spot-on planning.
“India is making the most of the home condition. The way they started against South Africa in the first ten overs, it gave them the edge. Then from 11-30, they were happy taking three-four runs per over. In the last 10 overs, they again upped the ante. They knew on this pitch 250 would be enough, but still played the aggressive brand of cricket.
“Pitch has been favouring India. In the other matches, you can see teams are scoring 350 and 400. It feels like India knows how the pitch is going to react. See their batting, they are making the most out if it. When they bowl, their bowlers go for the wickets. They don’t just look to restrict the run flow,” said the 43-year-old.
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