Danish Kaneria criticized Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for their disappointing performances in the ICC Champions Trophy, highlighting Babar’s lack of intent against stronger teams and the overall sluggishness in Pakistan’s batting lineup. He proposed changes in the team’s leadership and selection strategy to ensure improved performance moving forward.
Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria criticized Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for their underwhelming performances in the ICC Champions Trophy. Both players struggled against higher-ranked teams, with Babar scoring only 87 runs against Bangladesh and India and Rizwan managing 49 runs in the same matches. Babar’s sluggish innings of 64 runs from 90 balls against New Zealand, while chasing a target of 321, drew substantial criticism. Rizwan’s conservative 46 runs off 77 balls against India also hampered Pakistan’s efforts, leading to their swift exit from the tournament.
Kaneria voiced his concerns regarding Babar’s batting intent, stating that he tends to score primarily against lesser opponents, saying, “Babar has not scored runs for so long. But when he scores, it is against Zimbabwe or against smaller teams.” He further pointed out the lack of depth in Pakistan’s batting lineup, mentioning that although players like Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah occasionally contribute, Rizwan’s current performance seems lacking when it is needed most.
Babar has not achieved an international century since his 151 runs against Nepal in August 2023, and his performance since then shows only an average of 37.65 across 24 ODIs. Rizwan’s batting, despite a decent average of 53.78 in 14 ODIs since the start of 2024-25, displays a concerning decline in his strike rate, impacting the overall team’s performance negatively.
Addressing the leadership situation, Kaneria expressed support for Rizwan as the white-ball captain but emphasized the need for stability in captaincy rather than frequent changes. He criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for selecting leaders who conform to their demands, suggesting that players like Fakhar Zaman, who exude confidence and ambition, should be considered for leadership roles in the future.
Kaneria called for reform in the national selection process, advocating for a policy wherein players are given a year to demonstrate their capabilities. If they fail to produce results, he believes that they should be replaced. He lamented the current system that prioritizes personal connections over performance, stressing that teamwork and dedication are essential for success in cricket.
In summary, Danish Kaneria’s critique of Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan highlights serious concerns regarding their lack of performance against strong teams in the ICC Champions Trophy. His insights suggest a need for changes in leadership and selection practices within Pakistan cricket to foster a more effective and competitive environment. Exploring new captains and holding players accountable for their performances could be key to revitalizing the team.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
