Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag recently shared his views on Pakistan batter Babar Azam’s performance, taking a dig at his recent struggles in international cricket. Sehwag suggested that Babar needs to focus on improving his fitness and mental strength to regain his form. Speaking on Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel, Sehwag mentioned that Babar should take a break from international cricket and play domestic matches to work on his fitness and mental well-being.

Virender Sehwag emphasized that the former Pakistan captain’s current issues seem to be more mental than technical.

According to him, Babar has been affected by the pressure of expectations and his recent resignation from captaincy. Sehwag added that Babar is a talented player who can bounce back quickly if he stays mentally strong and physically fit.

ALSO READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final:  New Zealand Beat South Africa By 32 Runs To Clinch Maiden Title

Pakistan’s Bold Selection Move and Ghulam’s Performance

Ahead of the second Test match against England in Multan, Pakistan’s selection committee surprised many by dropping Babar Azam for the final two long-format matches of the series. Kamran Ghulam, a batting all-rounder, was handed his maiden Test cap and stepped in to fill Babar’s spot as Pakistan looked to level the series.

Despite initial criticism from fans, Ghulam played a crucial role in the Test match. He displayed great resilience against England’s strong bowling attack, scoring an impressive 118 off 124 deliveries to keep Pakistan in the game.

While Ghulam’s knock set the tone for Pakistan, it was their spin duo, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who dominated the match. The pair took all 20 wickets in the second Test, leaving England stunned. Sajid shined in the first innings with figures of 7/111, while Noman stole the show in the second innings with a remarkable 8/46.

With a 125-run victory, Pakistan leveled the series 1-1, and the final match of the series is set to take place in Rawalpindi on October 24.

Delhi Capitals had a tough time in their match on Wednesday, marking their third loss in the 2024 Indian Premier League. The team led by Rishabh Pant faced a huge challenge as Kolkata Knight Riders piled up a massive 272/7 – the second-highest score in the league’s history. Delhi Capitals then struggled in their chase, getting all out for 166 runs. Despite a collapse in the top order, Rishabh Pant (55) and Tristan Stubbs (53) put up a fight, bringing the team to a decent score.

However, Virender Sehwag, the former India and Capitals opener, wasn’t pleased with Pant’s dismissal while trying to hit boundaries aggressively to chase the daunting target. Sehwag believed Pant should’ve stayed at the crease and turned his half-century into a bigger score.

Pant returned to cricket after more than a year following a severe car accident in December 2022. He scored his second consecutive half-century in the match against KKR in Visakhapatnam.

ALSO READ: Who is Angkrish Raghuvanshi? KKR youngster announces arrival at big stage with 25-ball fifty vs DC on debut innings

“His batting was good, and he’s back in form, scoring at a great strike rate. But today, it was clear from the very first over that they weren’t going to win. This was the time for some batting practice. Instead of going to the net later, he could’ve faced 20 extra deliveries here. Then he could’ve probably skipped practice altogether and returned straight for the next match,” Sehwag said about Pant’s batting.

Rishabh Pant scored his first fifty upon his return to cricketing action last week when the Delhi Capitals defeated Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs. With one win in four matches, DC currently stands in ninth position in the table.

DC face MI next

In their upcoming match, the Capitals will face Mumbai Indians, who are going through a tough time. Mumbai Indians, led by their new captain Hardik Pandya, haven’t won any of their first three matches. Moreover, during their recent home match against Rajasthan Royals, the team’s fans appeared to be unhappy with Pandya’s captaincy, as they booed him.

In a recent interview, England cricketing sensation Moeen Ali opened up about his admiration for Indian cricket and unveiled his personal selection of the top 5 Indian players of all time. Known for his dynamic performances on the field and insightful observations off it, Moeen’s choices reflect a keen appreciation for the skill, leadership, and impact these cricketing legends have had on the sport.

Moeen’s choices offer a unique blend of contemporary brilliance and nostalgia, spanning across eras and formats of the game. His admiration for these cricketing stalwarts goes beyond statistics, capturing the essence of their influence on the game and their lasting impact on the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. Moeen shared his perspective while talking to Samp Group and picked a stellar lineup that spans generations.

Moeen Ali names his all-time top 5 Indian cricket players

The captain cool

Moeen’s top pick for the greatest Indian cricketer of all time is none other than the iconic MS Dhoni. Renowned for his cool and composed demeanor, Dhoni’s leadership skills and exceptional cricketing acumen have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. Moeen Ali praised Dhoni for his captaincy during India’s triumph in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, citing his ability to handle pressure as a key factor in his selection.

ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir salute Shami after Arjuna Award honour: ‘Bowled your way into hearts of fans’

The modern maestro

The former captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, secured the second spot on Moeen’s list. He commended Kohli’s exceptional batting prowess and his consistent performances across formats. Recognizing Kohli’s impact as a leader and a batter, Moeen highlighted the modern maestro’s ability to chase down targets and adapt to different formats of the game.

The little master

No list of all-time great Indian cricketers is complete without the inclusion of Sachin Tendulkar. Moeen acknowledged Tendulkar’s unparalleled achievements and records. Often referred as the “Little Master” who inspired a generation of cricketers, Tendulkar’s longevity and consistency in international cricket earned him the third spot in Moeen’s lineup.

The explosive opener

Moeen’s fourth pick is the explosive opener Virender Sehwag. Moeen praised Sehwag’s fearless and aggressive style of play, highlighting his ability to dominate bowlers from the very beginning of an innings. Sehwag’s swashbuckling approach to batting and his impact on Test and limited-overs cricket secured him a well-deserved place in Ali’s top 5.

The hero of 2011 World Cup

Rounding off the list at number five is the dynamic all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Moeen reminisced about Yuvraj’s stellar performances in the 2011 World Cup, where his all-round contribution played a crucial role in India’s triumph. Moeen emphasized Yuvraj’s ability to rise to the occasion during crunch moments, making him an integral part of his top 5.