‘Where somebody like Babar Azam..,’: Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on the unexpected decline of Pakistan cricket

Sep 6, 2024

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‘Where somebody like Babar Azam..,’: Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on the unexpected decline of Pakistan cricket

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Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his astonishment at Pakistan‘s recent 2-0 Test series defeat to Bangladesh, marking a sharp decline from the team’s performance a decade ago. Bangladesh’s historic 10-wicket win in the first Test in Rawalpindi, followed by a six-wicket victory in the second Test, resulted in a rare home series whitewash for Pakistan.

Ravichandran Ashwin expresses shock over Pakistan’s decline in cricket form

Ashwin, reflecting on the drastic drop in Pakistan’s cricketing standards, noted the stark contrast between the current team and the formidable side from a decade ago. He highlighted how Pakistan, under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, was once a dominant force. The team boasted formidable players such as Yasir Shah and other influential left-arm spinners, making them a challenging opponent. Ashwin expressed disbelief at the current state of Pakistan cricket, given their recent record of only five wins and sixteen losses this year.

“Keeping all this aside, Pakistan cricket, to see where it is right now, it wasn’t possible 10 years ago with Misbah, Younis Khan, even when they used to play in UAE. Back then, it was very tough to beat Pakistan, right? You had the likes of Yasir Shah, you had the likes of a couple of left-arm spinners coming in. All these guys, to where they are right now, I cannot believe it,” Ashwin said in a video on his Youtube channel.

Also READ: Pakistan cricket in crisis: Legends react to demoralising Test series defeat against Bangladesh

Ashwin on Pakistan’s leadership and current struggles

Ashwin also commented on Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, who has had a challenging start to his tenure with five consecutive losses. The Indian spinner empathized with Masood, acknowledging the difficult task of leading a team amid the absence of Babar Azam, who had previously been a key figure in Pakistani cricket. Ashwin suggested that while Masood is a capable and intelligent cricketer with potential, managing the current Pakistan squad in such turbulent times is no easy feat.

“I feel terribly bad for somebody named Shaan Masood. I will tell you why. Shaan Masood is a very smart cricketer. I know that guy. He speaks a lot of sense. He can be a really good captain for Pakistan. But handling a Pakistan cricket team at this point of time, where somebody like Babar Azam is not the captain and he is a poster boy for Pakistan, it cannot be an easy dressing room, right?” the 37-year-old added.

Masood was appointed captain last year after Babar stepped down following a poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. Masood’s first series as captain was against Australia, where his team faced a 3-0 defeat. Overall, Masood has led Pakistan in five Tests, all ending in defeat. Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against England, scheduled next month on home soil, represents a significant challenge as the team has not won a Test at home in ten matches, including four draws.

Ashwin reflects on Pakistan’s cricketing legacy

Ashwin, while discussing the current state of Pakistan cricket, expressed deep respect for the country’s rich cricketing heritage. He reminisced about the legendary cricketers who have shaped Pakistan’s cricketing history, including Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ijaz Ahmed, Salim Malik, Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail. The contrast between the legacy of these cricketing icons and the challenges faced by the current team underscores the significant decline in Pakistan’s performance over the past decade.

“Genuinely speaking, Pakistan cricket’s history, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Khan, Inzamam ul Haq, Ijaz Ahmed, Salim Malik. I can just keep on going on. This legacy, Saeed Anwar, Aamir Sohail, what legacy that country and that cricket team have?” Ashwin concluded.