Gautam Gambhir criticizes Babar Azam after Pakistan’s loss against South Africa

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has come down heavily on Pakistan Captain Babar Azam after his team’s loss against South Africa during Match 26 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday, October 27 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. After opting to bat first, Pakistan were bundled out for 270 in 46.4 overs while South Africa chased down the target in 47.2 overs and thrillingly won the game by one wicket.

Following Pakistan’s loss, Gambhir heavily criticised Babar saying that the Pakistan skipper hasn’t played any impactful knock in his career and his records and rankings are overrated.

“Babar Azam hasn’t played any impactful inning. Records and rankings are overrated. The real No.1 is the one who wins matches,” said Gambhir on Star Sports.

Notably, Babar scored 50 (65) against South Africa which was his third half-century of the tournament so far. He also scored 74 (92) in the previous game against Afghanistan and 50 (58) against India in third fixture. In the six matches played in the tournament so far, the Pakistan skipper has scored 207 runs from six innings at an average of 34.50 and a below-par strike rate of 79. The 29-year-old is the current number-one ranked batter in ODIs but hasn’t been able to justify his top position with his performances so far in the tournament.