- Cricket connoisseurs, experts, ex-cricketers, and crazy fans well-versed in the game would have noticed a palpable shift in the way Team India has evolved over the years, as compared to Pakistan, who are often described as an extremely unpredictable team. However, the fact of the matter is that Team India has progressed exponentially in the last few years beyond the reach of Pakistan when it comes to everything associated with the sport. Not so long ago, Team Pakistan was at par, if not superior to Team India, vis-à-vis player to player, skillsets, impact, performance, stalwarts, and ability to raise the game a notch above when it mattered most. This was amply evident during the recently concluded Asia Cup T20 tournament.
PC: CNBC TV18
- In the past, the hype surrounding the India-Pakistan encounters always generated tremendous interest, passion, attention, and debate since the fans from both sides would not settle for anything less than a spectacular win for their team. Alas, the times have changed unbelievably. Team India, the T20 World Champions and the number one-ranked team in the world, not only lived up to their billing but also ensured all the key moments of the game involving them were won hands down to emerge victorious against the opposition, including three times against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. The wins for Team India in the league stage, the super fours, and the final unambiguously demonstrated the difference in skillsets between the two teams.
PC: The Federal
- A closer scrutiny would reveal how Pakistan’s strength of pace bowling still continues to make its presence felt. However, it’s the batting abilities that have nose-dived considerably, offering very little in terms of quality, class, or, for that matter, desired resistance to take on the opposition. None of the batters in the present lineup could be rightfully termed world-class. Unfortunately, Babar Azam, who was considered a contemporary of Virat Kohli, has slipped away so badly of late that he no longer figures in Pakistan’s scheme of things anymore. Where are those all-weather performing batters who could take on the might of the opposition bowlers and subjugate them with brutal batsmanship? No one even ranks as a world-class batter in the present lineup.
PC: India Today
- The moot point to ponder over here is what’s ailing Pakistan’s cricket, rendering them ineffectual as compared to some of the bigger teams in the hierarchy. The Pakistani cricket establishment has slipped away, reflecting the country’s economy and the struggles endured, so much so that the contests involving the team have not only lost their sheen but also their once revered/feared aura as well. Cutting and chopping of the cricket administrators in the Pakistani Board and selection/omission of players have immensely contributed to the present sad situation. Little wonder, the once domineering Team Pakistan has been reduced to a pale shadow of the past. Regrouping and reasserting will take a very long time. Hopefully, soon, for the good of the sport.
