“This Is Called Selfishness”: Gautam Gambhir Slams Babar Azam’s Captaincy | Cricket News

Former India opening batter Gautam Gambhir was critical of Babar Azam‘s captaincy during Pakistan’s must-win game against Netherlands in the T20 World Cup on Sunday. Pakistan had lost their first two games to India and Zimbabwe respectively, and needed a win over the Netherlands to stay in contention for a semi-final berth. Pakistan bowlers stepped up under pressure, restricting Netherlands to a paltry total of 91/9. In reply, Pakistan lost the wicket of Babar early, before Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman took Pakistan closer to the target.

Rizwan was dismissed on 49 after Zaman (20), who was making a comeback into the side after an injury lay-off, had perished earlier.

Although Pakistan eventually won the game after a few hiccups, Gambhir felt that Babar should have put the team’s interests first, adding that he could have asked Zaman to open the innings, instead of himself.

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Gambhir added that it’s easier to get selfish, especially when you are the captain of the team. “In my opinion, first, you think about your team instead of yourself; if nothing goes according to your plan, you should have sent Fakhar Zaman up the batting order. This is called selfishness; as a captain, it is easy to be selfish. It is easy for Babar and Rizwan to open the innings for Pakistan and create so many records. If you want to be a leader, you have to think about your team,” Gambhir was quoted as saying during commentary by Cricket Pakistan.

Pakistan will take on South Africa in their next match on Thursday, and a defeat will end their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.