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WATCH: Gautam Gambhir's valuable piece of advice to Babar Azam to get back on winning track in 2023 ODI World Cup

Pakistan have a decent batting unit and a lethal pace attack, but a lack of quality spinners and lack of consistency with the batters is a major concern for them.

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Mathew K
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Gautam Gambhir & Babar Azam (Source: Twitter)

Gautam Gambhir & Babar Azam (Source: Twitter)

Pakistan have suffered two consecutive defeats in the 2023 ODI World Cup, swapping their places with Australia, who were at the bottom of the points table a few days ago. The Men in Green won their first two matches but failed to continue their strong run in the last two matches. After losing to arch-rivals India, the Aussies handed a 62-run loss to Babar Azam and Co. at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, October 20. 

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Pakistan have a decent batting unit and a lethal pace attack, but a lack of quality spinners and lack of consistency with the batters is a major concern for them. Barring a 50 against India, skipper Babar failed to shine in the remaining three matches. While chasing a massive 360-plus score against Australia, openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq provided a flying start. However, the batters followed them, but could not capitalise on the start.

Babar started with two boundaries, but a fine catch by Pat Cummins off spinner Adam Zampa sent the right-hander packing for just 18 runs. Meanwhile, during a chat with former Pakistan quick Wasim Akram on Sportskeeda, India legend Gautam Gambhir gave a piece of advice to the Pakistan skipper.

Their captain has to take responsibility: Gambhir 

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The discussion was after Pakistan's loss to India in Ahmedabad, but it is still relevant as the former needs to turn things around soon. The 2011 World Cup hero feels Babar should change his personality, his game and his mindset and take responsibility for scoring. 

“I feel Babar will have to change his personality, his game and, importantly, his mindset. Pakistan have had a history of attacking batters - Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, Saeed Anwar, Aamer Sohail. In the present top three, everyone bats in similar mode. If someone has to take responsibility, it has to be their captain, who bats at No. 3." 

Gambhir also highlighted that there is no point in being a leading run-getter or a wicket-taker if you cannot win the match or the tournament. He also cited a few examples to prove his statement that legacy is created by tournaments and not individual records.

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“There is no point looking at stats. You may become Pakistan’s leading run-getter, but legacy is created by winning tournaments, not individual records. Wasim Akram took three wickets in the 1992 World Cup final. He did not pick up a five-fer, but everybody talks about it because they won the World Cup. Nobody talks about Mahela Jayawardene’s hundred in the 2011 final. Everyone remembers that India won the match," he added. 

Watch the video below: 

Pakistan featured Gautam Gambhir Babar Azam ODI World Cup 2023