Cricket

Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma's recent struggles have raised concerns among cricket pundits. Despite his impressive record in limited-overs cricket, Rohit's Test batting has been underwhelming, particularly in the recently concluded series against New Zealand.In the three-match series, Rohit managed only 91 runs across six innings, with three dismissals coming from fast bowlers on spin-friendly tracks. Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has attributed Rohit's poor form to his batting position and has suggested a change in order.Kaneria believes that Rohit should move down to the number three position, allowing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to open the batting. He argues that Rohit has struggled against the moving ball in India and that the conditions in Australia, where India will tour later this year, will be even more challenging."Just see if Rohit Sharma is still comfortable opening or if he should come in one-down and change his order a little bit because he has been struggling with the track in India," Kaneria said. "The Indian top order should be Jaiswal and Shubman as openers, Rohit coming one-down, and Virat two-down."Kaneria's suggestion aligns with the growing consensus that Rohit's batting style is better suited to the middle order. As an opener, he faces the new ball and is more vulnerable to swing and seam bowling. By moving down the order, he would have the opportunity to settle in and play his shots more freely.Rohit's captaincy has also come under scrutiny following India's 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand. This is the first time India has been clean swept in a Test series of three or more matches at home. Kaneria believes that head coach Gautam Gambhir needs to manage the team's batting lineup more effectively, particularly in the absence of injured all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja."Gambhir needs to manage the long Indian batting line-up, as Ashwin and Jadeja are there, so they have a deep batting line-up," Kaneria said.Whether Rohit and Gambhir heed Kaneria's advice remains to be seen. However, it is clear that Rohit's Test form and captaincy are in need of improvement if India is to regain its status as a dominant force in the longest format of the game.

Gary Kirsten's resignation as Pakistan's limited-overs coach has sparked discussions about the role of international coaches in team selection. Kirsten's departure comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) restructured coaching roles and removed head coaches from the selection committee following Pakistan's loss to England in the first Test.Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria expressed support for Kirsten's decision, citing the pressure and criticism he faced after Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup and home Test series loss to Bangladesh. Kaneria emphasized that international coaches need time to adapt and perform, and that Kirsten's experience would have been valuable for Pakistan's young players.The PCB's decision to alter its selection committee has also raised questions. Previously, head coaches and captains had voting rights on the committee, but after Pakistan's loss to England, the PCB delegated all selection powers to a newly formed committee.Kaneria suggested that Kirsten may have wanted to be involved in the selection process, but that the PCB's decision to exclude international coaches from the committee was justified. He explained that international coaches often lack familiarity with domestic players, which is crucial for effective selection.Kirsten's resignation leaves Pakistan without a limited-overs coach ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Australia. The team will face Australia in Melbourne on November 4, marking their first ODI since last year's World Cup.

Pakistan's humiliating Test series loss to Bangladesh has sparked outrage among cricket fans and former players alike. Former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team, calling them "worse than a mohalla team."Kaneria's criticism stems from Pakistan's dismal performance in the two-match series. Bangladesh dominated the first Test with a resounding 10-wicket victory, while in the second Test, they chased down 185 runs with six wickets in hand. This marked the third-highest successful run chase by a visiting team on Pakistani soil.Kaneria believes the PCB is to blame for the team's poor showing. He highlights the disconnect between the leadership and the performance on the field, stating that "the luxuries of the captain's 'kursi' (chair) and the chairmanship at the PCB spoil minds."Kaneria also questions the decision to replace Sarfaraz Ahmed with Babar Azam as captain. He believes Sarfaraz was a more capable leader and that the current leadership lacks the ability to handle pressure situations."I don't know why Babar Azam was given the leadership responsibility despite Sarfaraz Ahmed's good captaincy," Kaneria said. "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."Kaneria draws a comparison between Pakistan and India, emphasizing that Indian players have consistently stepped up to the plate when required. He praises Rishabh Pant, India's dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, and suggests that he could be a future leader for India, especially in Test cricket."When you look at the current Indian team, everyone takes responsibility and performs when it is needed," Kaneria said. "Shubman (Gill), Rishabh (Pant), (Ravichandran) Ashwin — everyone contributes, and that is why they are a world-class team."Kaneria's criticism reflects the growing frustration among Pakistani cricket fans and experts. The team's recent performances have raised serious concerns about the direction of the team under Babar Azam's leadership. The PCB must take immediate action to address the issues plaguing the team and restore Pakistan's status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Pakistan cricket has been in a state of turmoil in recent times, with a humiliating 2-0 series defeat at home against Bangladesh, reports of dressing room conflicts, and groupism within the team. The constant chopping and changing in PCB administration and teams across formats has further exacerbated the situation.Former players have been vocal in their criticism of the administrators, team management, and players. Former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has joined the chorus, expressing his concern over Pakistan's recent performances.Kaneria believes that everything is being taken for granted in the team and that Pakistan cricket needs a tough task-master like India's Gautam Gambhir. He emphasized the importance of sticking with a captain and providing them with full support, while also holding them accountable for their performance."Why today other teams are doing so well? Why is the Indian team is doing so well? They had Rahul Dravid who worked with the team very well now they have Gautham Gambhir, a fantastic cricketer and fantastic guy. The way he reacts, he tells on the face. He doesn't go back and do backbiting; he's on the face straight away. This is how you have to be. You have to be strong, and like a strong person, you have to make the decision on the face, not at the back," said Kaneria.Reports in Pakistan media suggest that Babar Azam, who has been struggling with poor form, may be removed as Pakistan's white-ball captain. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the potential candidate to lead the team in ODIs and T20Is.The likely development comes after Babar's recent batting failures in the home Test series against Bangladesh. Shan Masood was leading the Test side, which the hosts embarrassingly lost 2-0.

The debate over who is the better batter between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam has been a hot topic among cricket fans for some time now. While both players have had their ups and downs, the conversation over who is superior continues to rage. However, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes that there is no comparison between the two players and that Virat Kohli is clearly the better player.In an interview with Sports Tak, Kaneria said that people should look at both of their records and it clearly shows that Virat is the better batter. "Who is comparing them? I am tired of hearing that people compare them. When you're talking about comparing, look at the runs Virat has scored. He has scored runs all around the world. He is a massive player," Kaneria said.Kaneria also said that the presence of Kohli is enough to have an impact on the field - something that Babar is currently missing. He added that the comparisons were mainly created by the media. "Look at his stature, when he walks onto the field, his aura itself is different and he (Babar) does not come close, forget comparing them. All that is created by the channels to sell their product. I have had a lot of questions comparing them, but I have never done it. Look at the stats. When both of them retire, do take a look at the stats," he mentioned.Kaneria's comments come at a time when both Kohli and Babar are in good form. Kohli has recently scored a century in the ongoing Asia Cup, while Babar has also been in good touch. However, Kaneria believes that Kohli is still the better player and that there is no comparison between the two.

The participation of the Indian cricket team in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain amidst ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has expressed his belief that India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing safety concerns.Kaneria emphasized that the safety of players should be paramount and that the current situation in Pakistan does not provide a conducive environment for the Indian team. He suggested that Dubai would be a more suitable venue for the event."Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan," Kaneria said. "The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority."Kaneria acknowledged that the Pakistan team traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he noted that the situation in India is more stable than in Pakistan. He believes that the BCCI is making the right decision by not providing any guarantees for the Champions Trophy."I think BCCI is doing a great job," Kaneria said. "I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model."Kaneria also pointed out that the financial benefits of hosting the Indian team are a major factor in the ongoing discussions. However, he stressed that safety and respect should take precedence over financial considerations."The main issue is that money will come," Kaneria said. "But you see the other grey area which you are fixing right now. If you think positively, your mind that the situation is not good, security concerns are there."The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue for the Champions Trophy in due course. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has launched a scathing attack on Wasim Akram and other ex-Pakistan cricketers who have criticized the current Pakistan team. Kaneria believes that instead of criticizing from the outside, Akram and other cricketers should instead come and help the side.Pakistan were knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup at the group stage, after losses to India and the USA. Kaneria's reaction comes after Wasim Akram had put out a public rant on social media, demanding a new team be formed for Pakistan."Wasim Akram and other people can only preach from the outside. Why don't they come help the Pakistan side?" asked Kaneria. "Why did Wasim Akram not pose the question about Mohammad Amir's selection immediately?" Kaneria told Sports Now."Shoaib Malik is a better player than these guys (the current squad)," he added.The former leg-spinner said that Pakistan's preparations leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup had not been up to the mark. He raised special concern over the selections of Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan."They (Pakistan) should've picked 20-22 players in the camp, and then picked the best 15," said Kaneria. "Where were Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan six months ago?" blasted Kaneria.Kaneria slammed the Pakistan team's management of not being able to make firm decisions."They will wake up in the morning and say one thing, and then take a U-turn in the evening. They're the masters of the U-turn," said Kaneria."They're egoistic and think they cannot make mistakes," he added.Kaneria also criticized the decision to hand back captaincy to Babar Azam, and suggested that he should bat at no. 3 in T20Is, letting Fakhar Zaman open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam scored 122 runs in four matches at the 2024 T20 World Cup, but at a strike rate of just 101.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has come to an abrupt end after two consecutive losses to India and the United States. This disappointing exit has sparked outrage among fans and former players, including Danish Kaneria.Kaneria expressed his dismay at the team's performance, calling it "a shameful thing in the history of Pakistan cricket." He criticized the team's management for neglecting talented players and relying heavily on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan."There are tons of players who have been making headlines with their performances but are not getting a chance to play for the national team," Kaneria said. "Players like Ahmed Jamal and Shahnawaz Dahani who performed well are not getting opportunities."Kaneria also questioned the appointment of Gary Kirsten as Pakistan's coach, arguing that he needs more time to understand the team's dynamics and the political landscape."Gary will need a lot of time to understand the politics and accordingly, he will start working," Kaneria said.He criticized the team's decision to refuse warm-up games in the United States, where the World Cup is being held."You are going to play the World Cup despite knowing the fact that it's in the USA, we have never played cricket here, and it requires a lot of time to get used to the conditions," Kaneria said.Kaneria expressed frustration with the team's reliance on Azam and Rizwan, who have failed to deliver in major tournaments."They only score runs against teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland, and then they start comparing Babar Azam with Virat Kohli," Kaneria said.Kaneria's comments reflect the widespread disappointment and anger among Pakistan cricket fans. The team's exit from the World Cup has raised serious questions about the future of Pakistan cricket and the need for significant changes in the team's management and selection process.

India vs Pakistan: Danish Kaneria Declares Virat Kohli Superior to Babar AzamAhead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan, former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has sparked a debate by declaring Virat Kohli as the superior player to current Pakistani captain Babar Azam.Kaneria's comments stem from ongoing comparisons between Azam and Kohli, particularly following Azam's recent performances. While acknowledging Azam's talent, Kaneria believes that Kohli's achievements and skill level are unmatched."As soon as Babar Azam scored a hundred the next day you'll see comparisons with Virat Kohli. Virat k jute k barabar bhi nahi hai (He is not even equal to Virat's shoes)," Kaneria told IANS.Kaneria pointed to Azam's performance against the USA in Pakistan's opening match of the tournament. Despite starting strongly, Azam failed to carry his team through a crucial phase of the game, getting dismissed after scoring 40 runs."USA Bowlers had him stuck, he was unable to play the bowlers. As soon as he reached 40 odd runs he got out. He should have stayed and won the game. Pakistan should have won the game one sided," Kaneria added.Kaneria also criticized Pakistan's over-reliance on their bowling strength, which he believes contributed to their loss against the USA."Whenever Pakistan come to the World Cup they keep praising their bowling and say that their bowling will win them the game but that was the reason they lost the first game,” remarked Kaneria.Looking ahead to the match between India and Pakistan, Kaneria predicted a strong victory for India."India will beat them badly. They are not capable of beating India," Kaneria said.Kaneria's comments have reignited the debate over who is the better player between Kohli and Azam. While both players have their strengths and weaknesses, Kohli's consistent performances and leadership qualities have earned him widespread recognition as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.