In anticipation of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup, former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has voiced his concerns regarding Babar Azam's ability to handle pressure as captain. Latif believes that India holds the upper hand in the upcoming match due to their more balanced squad and superior spinners.
Expressing his views in an exclusive interview with PTI, Latif emphasised the importance of Babar learning to handle pressure situations, citing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as examples of captains who excel in this aspect. He acknowledged Babar's batting prowess but stressed the need for him to develop as a leader.
Highlighting India's strengths, Latif praised spinner Kuldeep Yadav as a key player who could pose a significant threat to Pakistan's batting line-up. He also noted that Pakistan's preparedness for the tournament appeared lacking compared to previous editions, attributing this to changes in leadership and selection.
Latif expressed concern over the fitness of Pakistan's bowlers, pointing out a decline compared to former greats like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. He criticised the selection of bowlers with similar roles and commended India for their diverse bowling options.
Regarding the timing of Gary Kirsten's appointment as Pakistan's coach, Latif questioned its efficacy, suggesting that Kirsten had not spent enough time with the team ahead of the World Cup. Despite these challenges, Latif acknowledged the talent of players like Babar and expressed hope for their growth with better support.
In conclusion, Latif highlighted the contrasting team dynamics between India and Pakistan, noting that while Virat Kohli benefits from a strong supporting cast, Babar Azam lacks similar resources, posing a challenge to his leadership.