Dubai: Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has emphasised the stark contrast between India and Pakistan in terms of bench strength and batting approach, stating that India’s second-string squad could pose a serious challenge to Pakistan’s national team.
Speaking on a sports broadcast, Gavaskar highlighted the depth of India’s talent pool, citing the exclusion of players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the current squad.
“India’s B team would be very difficult for the current Pakistan team to beat, though I am not too sure about the C team,” he remarked.
Gavaskar attributed India’s robust talent pipeline to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has provided young players with exposure to high-pressure cricket.
“The IPL has ensured that Indian cricket consistently produces match-ready players. Several cricketers have transitioned seamlessly from the IPL to Ranji Trophy and then the national team,” he said.
In contrast, the former India captain expressed surprise at Pakistan’s struggle to develop young talent despite having the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“Pakistan has always had natural talent. Even if some players were not technically correct, their temperament made up for it. However, the current team lacks that spark,” he observed.
Discussing Pakistan’s recent performance, Gavaskar pointed out their cautious approach while batting.
“It seemed like they were playing for a safe total rather than a winning total. When the Indian spinners were operating, the overs flew by, and suddenly, Pakistan found themselves in a situation where they could not accelerate,” he analysed.
Despite Pakistan’s current struggles, Gavaskar expressed hope for a competitive Pakistan side, citing their traditional flair.
“Like the West Indies, Pakistan has always been a team with flair. World cricket needs such teams. Fans want to see breathtaking shots and fiery spells, and Pakistan has historically provided that,” he stated.
UNI
