Archival photo of Gautam Gambhir.© AFP
Former lead-off hitter Gautam Gambhir of India was critical of Babar Azam’s captaincy on Sunday during Pakistan’s unmissable match against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup. Pakistan had lost their first two matches to India and Zimbabwe respectively and needed a win over the Netherlands to remain in contention for a place in the semi-finals. Pakistani bowlers stepped up under pressure, limiting the Netherlands to a paltry total of 91/9. In response, Pakistan lost Babar’s wicket early, before Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman brought Pakistan closer to the goal.
Rizwan was sacked at 49 after Zaman (20), who made a comeback in the flank after an injury, had previously died.
Although Pakistan eventually won the game after a few hiccups, Gambhir felt Babar should have put the team’s interests first, adding that he could have asked Zaman to open the innings rather than himself.
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Gambhir added that it is easier to get selfish, especially when you are the captain of the team. “In my opinion you think about your team first instead of yourself; if nothing goes according to your plan, you should have sent Fakhar Zaman the batting order. This is called selfishness; as a captain it’s easy to be selfish It’s easy for Babar and Rizwan to open the innings for Pakistan and create so many records. If you want to be a leader you have to think about your team,” Gambhir said during Cricket Pakistan commentary.
Pakistan will face South Africa in their next game on Thursday, and a defeat puts an end to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
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