New Delhi, February 25:
Pakistan cricket team is facing constant criticism after being eliminated from the Champions Trophy and now former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has also taken a dig at it. Gavaskar says that Pakistan will have to struggle even to defeat the Indian B team. The Indian team led by Rohit Sharma defeated defending champion Pakistan by six wickets in the Champions Trophy match played in Dubai on Sunday.
Pakistan entered this tournament with the intention of defending the title but had to face defeat against New Zealand and then India in the Group A matches. New Zealand defeated Bangladesh on Monday which dashed all the hopes of Pakistan. Pakistan has not won a single match in this tournament so far and will face Bangladesh on February 27 in the last match of the group stage. Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament for the first time after 1996 but the Pakistan team has not been able to register a win at home.
Gavaskar told a sports channel, I think India’s B team can give a tough fight to Pakistan. I cannot say for sure about the C team, but given Pakistan’s current form, it will be very difficult for them to beat India’s B team. Pakistan’s lack of bench strength is surprising. Pakistan has always had players with natural talent.
Gavaskar also said that despite Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic limited overs tournaments, Pakistan is struggling for good players. He said, how did India prepare so many young players in limited overs cricket? The reason for this is IPL. IPL players are also playing Ranji Trophy and for India. Pakistan cricket should analyze this. They have to think about why they do not have a strong bench strength now. (Agencies)
