Shastri, Gavaskar all praise for Pakistan team
By our correspondent
KARACHI:Though many of the former players, critics and supporters in Pakistan might not be very optimistic about their team’s chances in the coming World Cup, two former Indian captains think otherwise.
The thinking also differs on the selected squad for the World Cup, which has been described as a formidable one by Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri.
The two former Indian Greats discussed in details the Pakistan squad on Wednesday during the One-day International in New Zealand and they had no doubt that Pakistan was one team capable of beating Champions Australia on their day.
“Forget what the Pakistan team has done in the last few months. Forget about them losing to South Africa. Forget about the reports about dissension in the team,” Shastri said. “To me this is a crackerjack outfit that has the ability to rise to the occasion in the big tournament and matches,” he opined.
“Pakistan’s batting is the weak point. But if they can get their act together then I would say beware Australia.”
Gavaskar pointed out that Pakistan had picked a very balanced outfit with a strong bowling line-up, capable allrounders and experienced batsmen. “They have experimented over the last one year but now have settled for this outfit which is a good one. They have brought back Saeed Anwar and he is very experienced. Azhar Mehmood is also there and can be very handy in South African conditions,” he said.
Shastri and Gavaskar lamented that India had not done the right thing by not experimenting with more players before the World Cup like Pakistan had done.
"Look Pakistan now know where they stand. India should also have tried out more players. Given a rest to the senior players.
It is not necessarily they should have selected the new players for the World Cup, but atleast they would know where they stand after the World Cup," Gavaskar said.
Shastri noted that Pakistan’s bowling had lot of experience, sting and variety. “Wasim, Waqar are the old war horses. Shoaib and Sami we all know what they are capable of. Saqlain is a class spinner. On their day these bowlers can clean up any side. Their strength is their bowlers can even defend a low total.”
Both also pointed out that the Pakistan team had the best record overseas among the Asian countries.
