Couple of weeks from now, the realm of international cricket is poised for a momentous event: the first of two much-anticipated showdowns between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
The Pallekele Stadium in Sri Lanka is set to host this thrilling encounter on September 2, a pivotal match in the group stage of the 2023 Asia Cup. Leading up to this highly awaited clash, experts and insights from both nations are pouring in, as cricketing veterans and analysts share their perspectives.
Adding to the discourse, a renowned Pakistani cricket legend has boldly voiced his opinion on the current Indian team, while also expressing his confidence in the Babar Azam-led Pakistani side by designating them as the favorites.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Sarfaraz Nawaz, who boasts a rich history of 55 Test matches and 45 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan spanning the years 1969 to 1984, formulated his viewpoint. His perspective was rooted in India’s recent strategic shift, observed during the ODI series in the West Indies.
Notably, during the series, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli assumed a supporting role, affording emerging talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Axar Patel the opportunity to present their credentials for inclusion in the World Cup squad.
While this tactical shift by India served as a litmus test for their bench strength, especially in light of uncertainties surrounding the comeback of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, a perspective that head coach Rahul Dravid also elucidated, Sarfaraz Nawaz held a differing view. In his assessment, rather than fortifying the team, this strategy had a detrimental impact.
Nawaz expressed the sentiment that Pakistan possesses a notably more settled and cohesive squad for both the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup in comparison to India. He pointed out that India is yet to discern a definitive combination for these pivotal tournaments.
Nawaz conveyed during a media interaction in Lahore on Friday. He went on to remark, “Captains are changing, many new players are being tried out, there are no proper combinations. I feel instead of developing the Indian side it is being destroyed.” In Nawaz’s estimation, rather than nurturing the growth of the Indian team, these actions are eroding its foundation.
Nawaz also conceded that India would encounter substantial pressure, not only due to their role as the host nation but also because of their inability to clinch an ICC trophy for a decade.
“Playing on home turf inevitably raises the bar of expectations, intensifying the pressure on the Indian team. Nevertheless, India possesses an advantage in the form of experienced senior players,” he remarked.
Renowned for his exceptional reverse swing bowling prowess and his remarkable feat of securing seven wickets for just one run in a spell against Australia in Melbourne, Nawaz further opined that left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi would undoubtedly emerge as Pakistan’s pivotal factor in crucial matches during the World Cup.
