News Arena

Join us

Home
/

india-are-t20wc-fav-babar-under-pressure-latif

Sports

India are T20WC fav, Babar under pressure: Latif

The India-Pakistan showdown, to be held in New York, is one of the most eagerly-awaited games of the ongoing tournament being co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies.

News Arena Network - New York - UPDATED: June 6, 2024, 12:43 PM - 5 mins read

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with Pakistani counterpart Babar Azam.

India are T20WC fav, Babar under pressure: Latif

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with Pakistani counterpart Babar Azam.


 Babar Azam has a long way to go before becoming a captain who can handle pressure, said former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif, declaring that India would be favourites against his country owing to a more balanced squad when the two sides clash in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

 

The India-Pakistan showdown, to be held in New York, is one of the most eagerly-awaited games of the ongoing tournament being co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies.

 

"...the focus is on the game on June 9 against India. Babar (Pakistan captain) will be under a lot of pressure because of the game against India rather than performing in the World Cup," the 55-year-old former wicketkeeper-batter said.

 

"But he has to learn to carry pressure, he should learn that from Virat and Rohit. They know how to carry the game. As a batter Babar is one of the best but as a captain and leader, there's a lot that he needs to learn," he added.

 

Latif said India have superior spinners and based on current form, Rohit Sharma's men are favourites for a win on Sunday.

 

"Kuldeep Yadav is that one player who if remains fit for India throughout the World Cup, he can cause trouble for batters. He is India’s key bowler and also a key to success. Given the current form and stats definitely India has an advantage ahead of June 9," he said.

 

Latif also pointed out that the Pakistan's preparedness is nowhere close to being as good as it was during its strong performances in the 2021 and 2022 editions, when the team reached the finals.

 

"The Pakistan team plays well in the ICC tournaments but the team doesn't look as prepared as they were in 2021 and 2022. The damage happened after the last ODI World Cup with changes in captaincy, the selection committee, and players," he explained.

 

"The team doesn't know who their openers will be and what they have tried has failed miserably," he pointed out.

Latif lamented the decline of Pakistan's bowling, especially the pacers. He blamed poor fitness for it.

 

"A lot of bowlers like Shaheen, Naseem, Rauf, Shadab came back from injury and now Imad Wasim is injured. The biggest issue has been the fitness of the bowlers," he said.

 

"Former greats like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mohammad Asif were way fitter than them and never used to miss any Tests or ODIs. But these guys, despite playing shorter formats, don't have adequate fitness," he added.

 

He also criticised the selection of bowlers who play similar roles in the side.

 

"...they bring back Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Earlier when these two bowlers used to play for Pakistan and in the PSL, they used to bowl the early overs between 1-4.

 

"Now, Rauf and Shaheen perform the same role, if you have four bowlers with the same role, who will bowl in the middle overs?" he asked.

He lauded India for getting their bowling combination right.

 

"Look at India, they have got Kuldeep, Axar, Jadeja and Chahal who can bowl in the middle and also the early overs. Pakistan couldn't develop Abrar Ahmed much. If Shadab Khan goes for runs in the middle overs, Pakistan doesn't have a lot of cover," he said.

 

Latif also questioned the timing of South African Gary Kirsten's appointment as Pakistan coach.

 

"The timing of his joining is very wrong. He joined the team on May 19 after the IPL season for Gujarat Titans ended," Latif pointed out.

 

"He only knows players by their names, but when you are going to the World Cup then you at least need to have spent at least a year with the players. He did not get this time and the Pakistan board is to blame for that," he said.

 

Talking about Virat Kohli, Latif said, "Virat has a lot of fans in Pakistan and also the players playing are his fans. Like I also say whenever Sachin used to play earlier, I never wanted him to get out.

 

"The world was paying to watch him bat but I was sitting behind the stumps and enjoying it for free," he recalled on a lighter note.

 

"Virat Kohli is a different player...Virat is a different player after this IPL…It will be really interesting to see where he bats in this World Cup." Kohli opened with Rohit in India's opener against Ireland.

 

Latif said even Babar can grow in stature but he needs a better team around him.

 

"Babar is a great player but doesn't have a lot of players to support him. Virat definitely has an advantage because the players are around him. But Pakistan lacks that cushion.

 

"Babar only has Rizwan and occasionally the support of Fakhar Zaman. Babar's quality is way above his teammates and I think this acts as a disadvantage for him." 

Related News
(From left to right) Boxer Preeti Pawar (L), Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (M), Lakshya Sen (R).

India’s Paris Olympics day 1: Full schedule and key events

July 27, 2024, 08:23 AM - 4 mins read

Wearing a massive white plume, the American star performed the popular French song Mon truc en plumes, which translates to ‘My thing with feathers,’ originally sung by dancer and singer Zizi (Renée) Jeanmaire in 1962.

Lady Gaga sizzles at Paris Olympics opening ceremony

July 27, 2024, 12:11 AM - 1 min read

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games began with the 'Parade of the Nations' in Paris with athletes from 205 countries sailing down the iconic Seine river on boats, marking a dreamy break from tradition despite rain threatening to play spoilsport.

It's a spectacular Seine as Paris Olympics open

July 27, 2024, 12:20 AM - 3 mins read

India's shooting team seeks to end 12-year medal drought

India's shooting team seeks to end medal drought

July 26, 2024, 03:38 PM - 4 mins read

Ravi Shastri (left), and Gautam Gambhir (right).

Gambhir's contemporary, no non-sense guy: Shastri

July 26, 2024, 02:58 PM - 4 mins read

(From left to right) Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, Boxer Nikhat Zareen, Indian Olympic gold winner Neeraj Chopra in Men's Javelin Throw, Shuttler PV Sindhu.

India’s top medal prospects for 2024 Paris Olympics

July 26, 2024, 09:42 AM - 6 mins read

https://www.instagram.com/thelaughclubofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/burraahhh_/

Sports

See All
(From left to right) Boxer Preeti Pawar (L), Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (M), Lakshya Sen (R).

India’s Paris Olympics day 1: Full schedule and key events

July 27, 2024, 08:23 AM - 4 mins read

Here's a detailed look at India’s full schedule for the opening day of the Games.

Read more
India's Sharath Kamal Achanta and PV Sindhu.

PV Sindhu, Sharath Kamal lead India’s Paris Olympic parade

July 27, 2024, 07:52 AM - 3 mins read

This event, labelled the Parade of Nations, saw athletes parading along the iconic Seine River instead of the traditional stadium setting.

Read more
Wearing a massive white plume, the American star performed the popular French song Mon truc en plumes, which translates to ‘My thing with feathers,’ originally sung by dancer and singer Zizi (Renée) Jeanmaire in 1962.

Lady Gaga sizzles at Paris Olympics opening ceremony

July 27, 2024, 12:11 AM - 1 min read

Wearing a massive white plume, the American star performed the popular French song Mon truc en plumes, which translates to ‘My thing with feathers,’ originally sung by dancer and singer Zizi (Renée) Jeanmaire in 1962.

Read more
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games began with the 'Parade of the Nations' in Paris with athletes from 205 countries sailing down the iconic Seine river on boats, marking a dreamy break from tradition despite rain threatening to play spoilsport.

It's a spectacular Seine as Paris Olympics open

July 26, 2024, 11:34 PM - 3 mins read

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games began with the 'Parade of the Nations' in Paris with athletes from 205 countries sailing down the iconic Seine river on boats, marking a dreamy break from tradition despite rain threatening to play spoilsport.

Read more
Kerala govt grants Rs 5 lakh for state Olympic participants

Kerala govt grants Rs 5 lakh for state Olympic participants

July 26, 2024, 09:13 PM - 1 min read

State Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Friday said Rs five lakh has been allotted to Chief Athletics Coach Radhakrishnan Nair also.

Read more
Renuka’s Bowling and Mandhana’s Batting Propel India to Asia Cup Final With A Victory Over Bangladesh.

India reaches Asia Cup Final with 10 wicket win over B'desh

July 26, 2024, 06:13 PM - 4 mins read

In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, India secured their place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Friday. The match, held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, showcased standout performances from Renuka Singh and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who played pivotal roles in India’s emphatic win.

Read more
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.

India, Sri Lanka to clash in T20I series opener tomorrow

July 26, 2024, 05:09 PM - 4 mins read

With the first T20I scheduled against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday, the newly formed coach-captain partnership aims to build upon India's recent World Cup triumph while navigating through a transitional phase.

Read more
India's shooting team seeks to end 12-year medal drought

India's shooting team seeks to end medal drought

July 26, 2024, 03:38 PM - 4 mins read

An untested team eager to excel in the upcoming shooting competition at the Paris Olympics will kick off the event in the tranquil French town of Chateauroux on Saturday.

Read more
Ravi Shastri (left), and Gautam Gambhir (right).

Gambhir's contemporary, no non-sense guy: Shastri

July 26, 2024, 02:58 PM - 4 mins read

"Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach. So it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he's got the tools, he's got the goods for the job and he's got the experience."

Read more
Lovlina is focused, ready for Gold, says father Tiken Borgohain

‘Gold is within Lovlina's reach’: Father Tiken Borgohain

July 26, 2024, 10:19 AM - 2 mins read

Borgohain says Lovlina wants to change the colour of her medal -- from Bronze to Gold -- and she is very confident in her abilities.

Read more
(From left to right) Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, Boxer Nikhat Zareen, Indian Olympic gold winner Neeraj Chopra in Men's Javelin Throw, Shuttler PV Sindhu.

India’s top medal prospects for 2024 Paris Olympics

July 26, 2024, 09:42 AM - 6 mins read

India aims to improve on its Tokyo 2020 medal tally with 117 athletes competing in Paris 2024, highlighting standout contenders like Neeraj Chopra and Mirabai Chanu for podium finishes.

Read more
Athletes Parade On The River Seine To Mark Paris 2024 Debut.

Paris Olympics kickstart Grandé Cérémonie on the River Seine

July 25, 2024, 09:53 PM - 3 mins read

The Paris 2024 Olympics is set to redefine the traditional Opening Ceremony with an innovative approach. For the first time in history, the grand ceremony will not be held in a stadium. Instead, the Seine River will be the stage for this spectacular event on July 26. This ambitious celebration will transform the French capital into a grand theatre, creating a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Read more

TOP CATEGORIES

  • Paris Olympics

QUICK LINKS

About us Rss FeedSitemapPrivacy PolicyTerms & Condition
logo

2024 News Arena India Pvt Ltd | All rights reserved | The Ideaz Factory