Pakistan's Defeat against India -the party has just begun!
In the tumultuous world of cricket, Pakistan's team finds itself at a critical juncture, echoing a pattern of collapses that seem deeply ingrained. The recurring fragility is not just a result of momentary lapses but a symptom of a foundation susceptible to pressure, questioning the very essence of the team's resilience.
While defeats are part of the game, the concern lies in Pakistan's propensity to crumble without displaying the vigour expected at this level. The mental and technical weaknesses of the squad come to the forefront, unraveling a narrative of lost intent and a lack of fighting spirit in the face of formidable opponents.
At the helm is Babar Azam, leading the team for nearly three years. However, his captaincy has left much to be desired, especially under pressure. A glaring lack of shrewdness and innovative thinking, crucial for a modern-day captain, further compounds the team's challenges. Azam's own batting form adds another layer of concern to an already complex situation.
Pakistan's recent victories against Netherlands and Sri Lanka provide a temporary respite, but with matches against cricket giants like Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa looming, the real test awaits. The possibility of further setbacks against Bangladesh and Afghanistan looms large, given the current poor form of several key players.
A deeper issue surfaces as the team comprises out-of-form, half-fit players, seemingly selected through a lens of likes, dislikes, favouritism, and nepotism.
The infusion of T20 players into the ODI team, ill-equipped to handle pressure situations, underscores a lack of game awareness and temperament. The selection process appears tainted, with players chosen based on T20 performance rather than merit or experience in first-class or domestic cricket.
The inclusion of Abdullah Shafiq and Saud Shakeel, driven by the failure of the opening pair and the fragile middle order, exposes a lack of foresight from both Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Established players like Shan Masood, Imad Wasim, and Sarfraz Ahmed, despite stellar performances in local tournaments, remain on the sidelines, victims of a questionable selection process.
It's evident that those hindering deserving players are detrimental to Pakistan and its cricketing aspirations. The loss to India serves as a stark wake-up call, heralding a challenging journey ahead in the #CWC2023 against formidable opponents. As the cricketing saga unfolds, the true test of resilience and leadership beckons for Pakistan — the party has just begun, and the team's response will define its cricketing destiny in this world cup.
#IndvsPak #CWC2023 #BabarAzam
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