'Intent Kaha Tha. Ghar Pe Rakh Ke Aaya Tha Kya': Ashwin Berates Babar Azam Over Slow Batting Approach During Champions Trophy

Champions Trophy 2025: Former India cricketer R Ashwin rips Babar Azam apart and calls out his slow tempo during the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. The Indian spin great did not mince words over the former PAK skipper and questioned his intent during the match-up. He wondered whether Babar left it at home, as there were no proper shots in his arsenal that he could put some use during the play.

R Ashwin ROASTS Babar Azam Over Dull Approach During Champions Trophy Opener

Babar Azam looked in form when he played a 90-ball innings and scored 64 runs. Despite putting up runs on the scoreboard, the former skipper was berated by the fans and pundits for his slow performance when Pakistan were making a chase for the target during the ICC Champions Trophy opener. R Ashwin criticized Babar Azam for his poor shot selection and showing little to no intent during the match-up.

“I’m a big fan of Babar Azam. Sometimes, as cricketers, when we want to safeguard our reputation, it becomes a problem. Reputation is not ahead of the team. Babar's knock was very difficult to watch.

"Intent kahan tha. Ghar pe rakh ke aaya tha kya? (Where was the intent? Did you keep it at your home? I actually feel that coming into the match, Babar Azam didn’t create shot options for himself. He doesn’t have any shots, there’s no shot for square of the wicket, no sweep, no reverse sweep, bottom hand is closed. There are no shots in his armoury. Such innings weren’t even played in the 1990s,” R Ashwin said during the Ash Ki Baat Show on his YouTube Channel.

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Pakistan In A Desperate Situation Now!

Pakistan's struggles were evident against New Zealand as they struggled to pick up wickets when the Blackcaps were batting. NZ reached a comfortable score of 320 at the loss of five wickets. But the hosts crumbled big-time as they were entirely dismissed at 260. They have also lost their star batter Fakhar Zaman due to injury.

Struggling Pakistan has travelled to Dubai, as they will now face Team India in what looks like a virtual knockout for the hosts. If Pakistan loses the match-up, they will be knocked out of the competition. The world's greatest rivalry will add a new chapter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

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