"Will only do what is written on paper and given to him"- Danish Kaneria on Babar Azam's captaincy in 2023 World Cup

Danish Kaneria launched a scathing attack on Pakistan captain Babar Azam's captaincy following the team's three successive defeats in the ongoing 2023 World Cup.

Kaneria suggested that Babar lacks leadership skills and is only capable of following the orders of the team management. He also claimed that the Pakistani skipper elected to bat first against Afghanistan because he could not handle the pressure of chasing.

Speaking to Aaj Tak, Kaneria said (3:50):

"Babar Azam will only do what is written on paper and given to him. He doesn't know anything else. He can't bat under pressure, which is why he elected to bat first against Afghanistan. He should have given the new ball to Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi because Afghanistan's openers play pace well."

Pakistan suffered a humiliating eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan on Monday, October 23, failing to defend a 283-run total. With two wins from five games, they currently occupy fifth place in the 2023 World Cup points table.

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"Looking like a pathetic side right now" - Danish Kaneria on Pakistan's World Cup team

Danish Kaneria further stated that Pakistan do not have a very strong lineup for the showpiece event. He suggested that the likes of Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali are not very reliable bowlers.

Elaborating more on Babar Azam's captaincy, he pointed out how the Men in Green captain continued bowling spin from one end despite the pacers extracting some reverse swing against Afghanistan, adding (4:16):

"Haris Rauf is a tape ball cricketer who just bowls fast, and you don't know what to expect from Hasan Ali. When there was some reserve swing, Babar Azam bowled Iftikhar Ahmed from one end. They are looking like a pathetic side right now."

It is going to be a tough road ahead for Pakistan, given that are yet to face the likes of England, South Africa, and New Zealand. Their next match is against South Africa, which slated to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27.