In a recent cricketing storm, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria launched a scathing attack on star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The duo faced criticism for their underwhelming performances in major tournaments and against stronger opponents. Let’s delve into the controversy and explore the numbers behind the claims.
The T20 World Cup Disaster From Babar Azam and Co
Pakistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign was nothing short of a disaster. The Men in Green suffered defeats to minnows USA and arch-rivals India, leading to their embarrassing exit before the Super Eight stage. Amidst this debacle, Kaneria questioned Pakistan’s team selection and their overdependence on the Babar-Rizwan batting combination.
The Allegation: Runs Only Against Weaker Teams
Kaneria minced no words, stating, “You select the useless team and repeatedly depend on Babar-Rizwan, Babar-Rizwan, what is this? Till when will we tolerate these names?” He accused Babar and Rizwan of failing to create an impact in major tournaments and claimed that they only score runs against teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland. The comparison of Babar Azam with Virat Kohli further fueled the controversy.
Interestingly, Babar’s lowest average and strike rate are against Sri Lanka. However, even there, he boasts an average of 16.28, hardly a sign of weakness. It’s essential to recognize that every player has opponents they struggle against, and Babar is no exception.
The Larger Issue
Kaneria’s criticism extends beyond Babar and Rizwan. He laments the exclusion of several domestic stars from consistent opportunities in the national side. Pakistan’s cricketing politics and failure to nurture talent have left him disheartened.
While controversies swirl, Babar Azam remains a vital cog in Pakistan’s cricketing wheel. His performances against top teams speak volumes, and perhaps it’s time to appreciate his consistency rather than perpetuating myths. As for Danish Kaneria, his passionate critique reflects the frustration of a cricket lover who yearns for better days for Pakistan cricket.
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