Babar Azam Played For His Own Runs- Cheteshwar Pujara Slams Pakistan Batter

Babar Azam was accused by Cheteshwar Pujara of playing slow and selfish cricket in Pakistan’s recent loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Azam has been vilified for his poor knock in the 60-run defeat in Karachi.

The great batter's 90-ball stay at the crease provided only 64 runs at a strike rate of 71.11, putting Pakistan in serious difficulty as they chased a mammoth goal of 321 runs to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening against the Black Caps in Karachi.

With the needed run rate exceeding six runs per over, Babar Azam's inability to accelerate proved expensive, putting further pressure on the next batters set up in the contest.

There was no intent: Cheteshwar Pujara exposes Babar Azam’s game against spin

The former Pakistan captain's trouble with spin was evident, as Cheteshwar Pujara noted that Babar delayed using his feet and appeared uncomfortable against the spin.

Speaking on the ‘Dressing Room’ show on Sports Central in Pakistan, Cheteshwar Pujara said: “There was no intent. Babar’s footwork against the spinner was not good. He was not using his feet. He was not reaching for the ball and he was waiting for the ball to come to him.”

Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted Babar's problems against spin. The Indian batter chastised the right-handed batter for not using his feet, failing to execute inventive shots such as the sweep or reverse sweep, and getting bogged down by dot balls against the Black Caps.

“He was not committing. He was trying to flick the ball, and get a single, but there was a square-leg fielder. He didn’t try to play any sweep shot or a paddle sweep. Nowadays, reverse sweep is also an option to disturb the length of a spinner,” Pujara said.

“You don’t need to play for your own runs”- Pujara on Babar Azam

The Indian player felt that Babar Azam was under mental pressure in Karachi because he was more concerned about surviving than winning matches. Pujara has also stated that a strike rate of 70-80 is simply insufficient in current ODI cricket, advising Babar to rotate the strike and score the occasional boundary.

“You don’t need to play for your own runs. In one-day cricket, you can’t be looking to save your own wicket. Instead, you go to win the match. Babar Azam was trying not to get out. But the dot balls added pressure on the batters, who came next,” Pujara signed off.

Pakistan to clash with India in a bid to stay alive in competition on February 23

With this loss, Pakistan will need to win their next game in the Champions Trophy 2025 match against India. This match will be played on February 23 in Dubai and if Pakistan lose this game, they will be knocked out of the tournament.

Also Read: Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out Of ICC Champions Trophy 2025; PCB Announces Replacement