Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, Sep 23: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh criticised Pakistan’s senior players for their lack of performance and leadership in the ongoing Asia Cup, following India’s victories in both encounters and Pakistan’s seventh consecutive loss against their neighbours.

India dominated on the field, with openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma putting together a 105-run partnership on Sunday, despite attempts by Pakistani bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to unsettle them verbally.

Highlighting the gap in on-field quality, Harbhajan said on Sports Today, “If talks were to win the game, I think they would have won. But it was between bat and ball, and India were far, far ahead of Pakistan.”

He pointed out that Pakistan’s senior bowlers failed to make an impact during crucial early overs. “Their senior bowlers like Haris or Shaheen Shah Afridi went for plenty. They couldn’t get a single wicket in the first six overs. If your experienced players are only shouting and talking, and not able to deliver with the ball or bat, you’ll see the results they are getting,” he added.

During the Dubai match, Haris Rauf engaged in confrontations with Indian fans and openers, while Shaheen Afridi’s attempts to mentally unsettle the Indian batsmen proved ineffective, conceding 40 runs without taking a wicket.

Harbhajan emphasised that while factors like talent, fitness, and application play a role, Pakistan’s lack of leadership and focus on off-field tactics have been particularly detrimental. “Let them talk, we will talk with the bat and ball, and we will answer when required the best,” he concluded, underlining the supremacy of performance over verbal games.