The legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has stated that even India’s B team would pose a significant challenge for the current Pakistan squad.
This assessment comes on the heels of Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage after losing crucial matches against India and New Zealand.
Gavaskar’s Comments
Gavaskar, known for his candid views on cricket, emphasized that Pakistan’s struggles are rooted in their lack of bench strength.
He noted that while Pakistan historically produced talented players with a natural flair for the game, they have failed to replicate this success in recent years.
Gavaskar pointed to the example of Inzamam-ul-Haq, who, despite unconventional technique, excelled due to his temperament and instinctive understanding of the game.
“I think a B team (from India) certainly (can give Pakistan a run for their money). C team, I am not too sure. But a B team will be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form,” Gavaskar said during an interview on ‘Sports Today’.
Comparison with India’s Cricket Structure
Gavaskar highlighted the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a key factor in India’s success in producing young talent.
The IPL, he argued, provides a platform for players to excel in white-ball cricket, eventually leading to national team selections.
In contrast, despite having the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Pakistan has not seen a similar influx of young players making a significant impact on the international stage.
Pakistan’s Recent Performance
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy marked another disappointing chapter in their recent cricketing history.
Since winning the Champions Trophy in 2017, Pakistan has struggled to replicate past successes, finishing fifth in the last two ODI World Cups.
Their inability to secure wins against top teams, including India, has raised questions about their competitiveness at the highest level.
Gavaskar’s comments underscore the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, from developing a strong bench to competing with top-tier teams like India.
As Pakistan reflects on their recent performances, they must address these systemic issues to regain their status as a formidable force in international cricket.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Pakistan as they seek to revamp their team and restore their cricketing reputation.
