Pakistan would struggle to beat India's B team: Sunil Gavaskar
What's the story
Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has made a bold statement about the current state of the Pakistani cricket team. After their defeat to India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and subsequent exit from the tournament, Gavaskar hinted even a second-string Indian side could be a huge challenge for Pakistan. He spoke on 'Sports Today' and analyzed Pakistan's performance and future.
Talent analysis
Assessment of Pakistan's cricketing prowess
Gavaskar was surprised at the apparent lack of depth in Pakistan's cricketing talent pool. He said while the country has always produced naturally gifted players, it seems to be struggling now. "I think it's surprising-this lack of bench strength," he said. "Pakistan always had natural talent." He cited Inzamam-ul-Haq as an example of a player with a deep understanding of bat and ball, despite not being technically perfect.
Development concerns
Gavaskar questions Pakistan's player development
Gavaskar also expressed concerns over Pakistan's inability to groom match-winning players despite having their own cricket league. He contrasted this with India's success in producing young stars through the IPL and Ranji Trophy. "How has India produced so many young stars in white-ball cricket? It's because of the IPL," he said. "That is something Pakistan cricket must analyze."
Tournament struggles
Pakistan's performance in ICC tournaments
Pakistan's performance in the ICC tournaments has been underwhelming since the 2017 Champions Trophy, which they won. Their best showing was reaching the 2022 T20 World Cup final where to they lost to England. Apart from the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have beaten India only once in ICC tournaments (ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup). India have a 14-1 lead over Pakistan in this regard.
Match analysis
Atherton echoes Gavaskar's sentiments
Michael Atherton, the former England captain, echoed Gavaskar's sentiments, describing the recent India-Pakistan match as "completely one-sided." He slammed Pakistan's batting line-up for lacking energy and dynamism. "It looked very predictable from a long way out," Atherton said on Sky Sports Podcast. Despite leading the head-to-head in ODIs with 58 wins to India's 73, Atherton feels that Pakistan have lost its edge over the past decade.