Asia Cup 2025: ‘Can’t match India yet’ - Ex-KKR star lambasts Pakistan after disappointing loss
"Pakistan are in denial of the fact that they are in a rebuilding phase of their cricket team. For crying out loud, they have changed six coaches since 2023," said Uthappa.
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Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has criticized Pakistan for their surrender against India in the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash at Dubai on September 14. India outclassed their arch-rivals by seven wickets, in a match that continued to stir controversies even after its conclusion.
Pakistan struggled with the bat right from the start against a disciplined Indian bowling unit. Their batting order faltered under pressure, eventually managing only 127 for 9 in 20 overs, a total deemed far below par for the occasion. Chasing 128, the Men in Blue hardly broke a sweat, reaching the target in just 15.5 overs with seven wickets in hand.
"The hype will always be there. Yet, ability wise, Pakistan fans can have all the expectations they want from their team, but they are genuinely living in denial if they think they can be competitive with the current Indian team. This Indian team is head, shoulders and body above Pakistan. Pakistan are in denial of the fact that they are in a rebuilding phase of their cricket team. For crying out loud, they have changed six coaches since 2023,” said Uthappa on his YouTube Channel.
"And if you are going to do something like that, imagine the amount of insecurity that exists within the group. On top of that, they have five openers in the top seven. They are completely unfinished products for now,” he added.
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The former wicketkeeper-batter was particularly unimpressed with Pakistan’s lacklustre batting approach in the high-voltage Asia Cup clash. Pakistan’s innings began on the wrong note as they slumped to 6/2 inside the first two overs. A brief 39-run stand provided temporary relief, but the collapse resumed soon after. By the 13th over, Pakistan were left reeling at an embarrassing 64/6, leaving little hope of posting a competitive total against India.
"When I watched the Pakistan team bat yesterday, it just felt like a team that had no control or idea about how they were going to go about getting their runs. There was no method to the madness. There was no process-oriented approach, knowing there will be ebbs and flows in an innings," said Uthappa.
"In the first eight overs, there were 31 dot balls. It tells you a story that the coaching staff have done nothing with them that's process-oriented. God alone knows what that coaching staff is doing,” he added.
Pakistan will next play against the United Arab Emirates, and losing this encounter would throw them out of the competition. As a result, the Salman Ali Agha-led side will be looking to give it their all in the upcoming do-or-die contest, set to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 17.
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