Aakash Chopra criticized Pakistan’s consistency issues in cricket, likening it to the nation’s unpredictability. As they prepare for the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand, he emphasized their struggle under pressure. Sarfaraz Khan noted the current team’s strength on paper but raised concerns about their ability to handle pressure in crucial situations.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra criticized the unpredictability of the Pakistan cricket team ahead of the Champions Trophy, stating that it reflects the nation itself. Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in the tournament opener, following a disappointing 5-wicket loss in a recent tri-nation series. This inconsistency in performance, where they struggled against a 250 target, symbolizes a long-standing issue for the team.
Chopra highlighted that Pakistan often struggles under pressure, recalling their failure to qualify beyond the group stage in the recent T20 World Cup. He noted that their performance has fluctuated significantly, mirroring the country’s unpredictable nature. With past patterns, he raised concerns about whether Pakistan can manage the pressure in the Champions Trophy, emphasizing that their volatile history makes them a complicated side to predict.
Sarfaraz Khan, who led Pakistan to their Champions Trophy victory in 2017, expressed optimism about the team’s strength on paper for the upcoming tournament. He acknowledged that playing at home in familiar conditions is a considerable advantage for them. Compared to the 2017 squad, he believes the current team boasts more experience and skill across key players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
Babar Azam has emerged as a top batsman in the international arena, and Zaman, previously new to the squad, has matured into a reliable player. Sarfaraz noted this evolution in their performance and stated that the team’s home-ground familiarity could be vital for their success, despite previous inconsistencies.
In summary, Pakistan’s unpredictable nature remains a critical concern as they approach the Champions Trophy. Despite having a potentially stronger lineup than the title-winning team of 2017, past performance under pressure raises doubts. The team’s ability to adapt and manage the challenges of high-stakes matches will be crucial in determining their success in the tournament.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
