The two-match series saw Pakistan dominate the first Test with a resounding 10-wicket victory. However, in a shocking turnaround, Bangladesh chased down 185 runs in the second Test with six wickets in hand, marking the third-highest successful run chase by a visiting team on Pakistani soil. The loss has raised serious concerns about the direction of the team under Babar Azam's leadership.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In an interview with IANS, Kaneria didn\u2019t mince words while talking about the Pakistan team's recent performance against Bangladesh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe level of the Pakistan cricket team is so low that even a mohalla team is better than them, and all this is because of the PCB. They are to be blamed for such a below-par show from the national side. The luxuries of the captain\u2019s \u2018kursi\u2019 (chair) and the chairmanship at the PCB spoil minds,\u201d he said, highlighting the disconnect between the leadership and the performance on the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kaneria, also pointed out what he sees as a flawed decision by the PCB in replacing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed with Babar Azam. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, had been performing well across formats, but Kaneria believes the current leadership cannot handle pressure situations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I don't know why Babar Azam was given the leadership responsibility despite Sarfaraz Ahmed's good captaincy. Currently, there is no captain material in the Pakistan team. A captain is someone who takes the pressure on his shoulders and carries the team forward with his performance, which both Babar and Shan Masood have failed to do,\u201d Kaneria lamented. \"Can't they have scored one century against Bangladesh in their home conditions?\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kaneria also drew a comparison between Pakistan and their arch-rivals, India, emphasising that Indian players have consistently stepped up to the plate when required, creating a world-class team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen you look at the current Indian team, everyone takes responsibility and performs when it is needed. Shubman (Gill), Rishabh (Pant), (Ravichandran) Ashwin \u2014 everyone contributes, and that is why they are a world-class team,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As someone who has closely observed the evolution of Indian cricket, Kaneria had high praise for Rishabh Pant, India\u2019s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter. Despite Pant\u2019s recent injury struggles, Kaneria suggested that he could be a future leader for India, especially in Test cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen you look at the current Indian team, everyone takes responsibility and performs when it is needed. Shubman (Gill), Rishabh (Pant), (Ravichandran) Ashwin \u2014 everyone contributes, and that is why they are a world-class team,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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