Gambhir didn't mince his words as he pinpointed three critical areas where the Men in Green struggled, contributing to their defeat
24 October, 2023
PHOTO: AFP
Former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, has shared his insights on Pakistan's recent loss to Afghanistan in a crucial 2023 World Cup clash on Monday in Chennai.
In a recent interview with Star Sports, Gambhir didn't mince his words as he pinpointed three critical areas where the Men in Green struggled, contributing to their defeat.
The former opening batter began by emphasizing Pakistan's consistent fielding problems, a concern he believes has lingered since the Asia Cup.
"We have spoken about this in the Asia Cup as well - Pakistan's fielding. You can have a bad day in bowling or batting, but not in fielding. This has been going on since the Asia Cup and the department has still not improved. I believe Pakistan are the most ordinary fielding team in this World Cup," Gautam said.
The second point of concern that the 42-year-old raised was Pakistan's difficulty in facing spin bowling.
He highlighted their performance on a pitch that favored spinners, with none of the three spinners managing to pick up a single wicket.
"They are struggling in spin bowling. On this wicket, where there was no dew and there was help for the spinners, none of the three spinners could pick up a single wicket. That is the second concern," he said.
The left-hand batter's third concern was centered on Pakistan's batting lineup.
"The third concern is Pakistan's batting. Pakistan's top five batters are similar types of batters. They don't have a batter apart from Iftikhar Ahmed who can take the game head-on," Gambhir said.
Gambhir also suggested that the Men in Green needs a more diversified and aggressive approach in their batting to succeed in contemporary cricket.
"Cricket has moved on. Cricket is not the same as it was in the 1990s or 2011, where you score 270 or 280 runs and think that your bowling will defend that. Two new balls, flat wickets, five fielders within the circle, you will have to play proactive and attacking cricket," he concluded.
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