Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup was largely due to their shortcomings, especially after they bowed out for just 114 runs. Much of the discussion centered on Pakistan’s lack of intensity and inability to match the defending champions, especially in batting.
However, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that this statement unfairly overshadows the excellence of the Indian team on the night. Kaif admitted that Pakistan fell far short of the required standards but felt that India’s quality and composure under pressure deserved more recognition.
Speaking to ABP News, Qaif expressed disappointment at the way the debate was shaping up and noted that Shoaib Akhtar was too focused on Pakistan’s struggle rather than India’s performance.
“Ever since we started the show, I have been unhappy because you have been saying that Pakistan team is weak anyway and is a lifeless team. If that team had won today, then 100% Shoaib Akhtar would have said now that BCCI is proud and the players are too arrogant,” Kaif said.
“What I am trying to say is that by showing Pakistan’s weakness, you are taking away what is great about India. You have just shown that Pakistan is in trouble and has no system, but what does that have to do with India?” he continued.
Kaif pointed to Ishan Kishan’s match-winning 77 off 40 balls as an example of India thriving under extreme pressure. The opener was his first match against Pakistan and despite a challenging pitch, he produced one of the standout performances in the history of the India-Pak T20 World Cup.
“We are talking about India, Indian captain Ishan Kishan is playing against Pakistan for the first time and how much pressure must be put on him, we are not talking about that. Give the credit to the Indian players because they are playing and imagine if they had lost, there would have been an outcry,” Kaif pointed out.
He also highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by Indian players in such high-stakes tournaments and recalled how criticism escalated after the defeat at the 2021 World Cup.
“You might say Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands and now the team has lost and they think they are brave. If they lose this game today, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, everyone will be judged,” Kaif said.
As India enters the Super 8 stage, Kaif’s comments are a reminder that in a tournament of this magnitude, victory depends not just on the mistakes of the opponent but also on skill, temperament and the ability to withstand intense pressure.
