Former Indian cricketer criticizes Pakistan’s batting power before ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Former Indian cricketer and cricket expert Harbhajan Singh has seriously questioned Pakistan’s batting lineup as the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starts, especially regarding Babar Azam’s qualifications as the top batter in the country. Emphasizing the discrepancies in Pakistan’s performances, Harbhajan contrasted Pakistan’s team with India’s in a thorough investigation on his YouTube channel.
Harbhajan Singh on Pakistan’s Inconsistency
Harbhajan Singh made bold statements about Pakistan’s performance and challenges at big events throughout his analysis and critiques.
“Pakistan is a very inconsistent team,” Harbhajan remarked.
He went further on how clearly both teams’ present shapes vary from India’s.
“If you look at their stats and compare them with the stats of Indian batters and bowlers, the picture becomes quite clear. The Indian team looks well-settled, whereas Pakistan’s team seems a bit unsteady.“
Babar Azam’s Status being Questioned as a World-Class Batsman
Even though most people agree Babar Azam is Pakistan’s best batsman, Harbhajan questioned his performance’s effectiveness internationally .
“Babar has an average of 31. If a batter with a 31 average calls himself a top batter, I believe a top batter should have an average close to 50, which he doesn’t. His average against India is particularly poor,” he pointed out.
Harbhajan’s remarks question Babar Azam’s seeming supremacy as many analysts and supporters rank him among the best hitters in international cricket. His stats against top teams like India, however, raise questions about his performance when it counts most.
Pakistan’s Batting Order impending Lack of Depth
Apart from Babar Azam, Harbhajan also attacked the Pakistan team’s deficiency in quality batsmen.
“Apart from Babar and Rizwan, no other batsman stands out,” he stated.
He especially underlined the difficulties faced by Faheem Ashraf and Saud Shakeel, who have shown poor performance averages in important games.
“Right now, if we look at Faheem Ashraf, his average is 12.5. I don’t think he can pose a threat to the opposing team. And Saud Shakeel’s average against India is 6. So, with such averages, I don’t have the confidence that this team will win.”
Praise for Fakhar Zaman’s Potential
While Harbhajan was critical of Pakistan’s batting lineup, he recognized the potential of Fakhar Zaman as a crucial player.
“Fakhar’s average against India is 46, which is quite good. He has the ability to take the game away from the opposition.”
He had reservations over Pakistan’s choice to begin with Babar, however, he agreed that Fakhar would be a more suited aggressive opener in contrast to Babar Azam.
India’s Strength and Consistency
When talking about India’s squad, Harbhajan was significantly more confident, referencing their depth, experience, and current performance. Players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, and Virat Kohli, he said, provide India a powerful batting lineup.
“India is very strong right now. India has the form; recently, Rohit has made runs, Gill has scored runs, Axar Patel is in form, and Kohli has also recently scored a fifty.”
Harbhajan still thinks that Virat Kohli has great performance capability even if he hasn’t been at his best in major events.
“Although Kohli is not in the form we’ve seen before, I think he will make runs here.”
Indian Bowling Attack Gives an Edge
Apart from the batting, Harbhajan underlined India’s bowling unit, underlining their recent triumphs in white-ball cricket. He said the recent dominance of India’s bowlers against England demonstrated their ability to fend off against elite opponents.
Afghanistan: Another Potential Dark Horse
Harbhajan also foresaw Afghanistan as a surprising ICC Champions Trophy 2025 contender.
“The second team I feel will perform well in this tournament is Afghanistan. They are a team that will play very well in these conditions.”
Afghanistan has the ability to throw shocks in the tournament with their heavy-spin attack and strengthening their batting lineup.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: A Challenging Opener for Pakistan
Looking forward to Pakistan’s opening encounter against New Zealand, Harbhajan made a bold forecast that Pakistan might struggle again.
“New Zealand defeated them on home soil. And now, look, New Zealand will play the first match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener, and I think New Zealand will defeat Pakistan again because they have figured out what they need to do.”
Given New Zealand’s habit of outplaying Pakistan, the match might be a key test for Babar Azam and his squad.
India vs Pakistan: A One-Sided Contest?
The India vs Pakistan contest will surely be the most awaited collision of the competition. However, Harbhajan believes that India will once again prove their dominance.
“In the match between India and Pakistan, Pakistan is far behind, and India looks like a team that can win this Champions Trophy.”
India is probably going to enter the high-voltage game as obvious favorites with a stronger team, improved preparation, and greater form.
Conclusion
Harbhajan Singh’s analysis highlights severe concerns for Pakistan ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Though Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are still crucial players, their consistency and averages have come under doubt. Pakistan’s batting lineup’s lack of depth in contrast to India’s strong form point to possible difficulties Pakistan might have in the tournament.
Pakistan’s journey to the Champions Trophy would not be simple, with New Zealand as their first obstacle and India as their major competitor. Whether Babar Azam can put a zip on his critics and prove himself on the big stage still remains to be seen.
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