Former India opener Aakash Chopra acknowledged that Babar Azam has been found wanting as a batter and as a captain, but emphasized that he is not solely to blame for Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2023 World Cup.
Babar has accumulated 157 runs at an average of 31.40 and a strike rate of 79.69 in five World Cup matches. As a captain, he has failed to inspire his troops, letting the opposition off the hook on numerous occasions with his defensive approach.
Pakistan will face South Africa at the Chepauk in Chennai on Friday, October 27. The Men in Green have lost their last three games and face a virtual must-win situation to keep their hopes of reaching the semifinals alive.
“If the match is on a good pitch and South Africa get to bat first and start hitting, Pakistan’s situation can become slightly bad. There is also a different atmosphere in Pakistan. There are reports from their board that they are standing with them but if you have to say that, it means you are not,” Aakash Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
Aakash also noted the uncertain atmosphere in Pakistan, with board statements appearing to prepare for Babar Azam’s removal as Pakistan captain.
“From their statements, it seems like preparations have been made to remove Babar Azam. There is no doubt that his captaincy has been ordinary, his form has also been very ordinary but he is not the only problem. You are not losing because of him. There are a lot of other reasons as well.”
Chopra further added that it would be quite a surprise if Pakistan managed to defeat South Africa and explained that the performance trends of these two teams appear to be heading in two different directions. Nevertheless, he did acknowledge that the tournament had been marked by unexpected upsets and surprising victories.
