Ramiz Raja Finds 'India Angle' Behind Pakistan's Historic Loss Vs Bangladesh In Rawalpindi Test

The Pakistan men's cricket team faced a historic defeat, losing by 10 wickets to Bangladesh at home. This loss has put Shan Masood and his squad under intense scrutiny from fans and former players. Ramiz Raja, a legendary Pakistani batsman, attributed this downfall to an 'India Angle,' suggesting it began when Indian batters dominated Pakistani bowlers in the Asia Cup.

Ramiz Raja highlighted several issues, starting with team selection errors. "Firstly, there was a mistake in team selection. You were without a spinner. Secondly, the reputation based on which we rely on our fast bowlers is finished. This debacle, a sort of a confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions and then the secret was out to the world that the only way to counter this line-up was to attack," he said.

Bowling Woes

Raja also criticised Pakistan's bowling performance compared to Bangladesh's. "Their speeds have decreased, and so have their skill set. The Bangladesh fast bowlers seemed more penetrative while our bowlers were involved in more drama around their wickets," he noted. He pointed out that Pakistan lacked an effective fast bowler on that track, making even Bangladesh's lineup look strong against their pacers.

The former cricketer didn't hold back on his criticism of Shan Masood's captaincy either. He felt Masood failed to read the conditions properly, leading to an unexpected loss at home against Bangladesh. "Shan Masood is currently on a losing streak. I felt, in Australian conditions, things are tougher and it was impossible for Pakistan team to win a series there. But you are now losing in home conditions, against a team like Bangladesh, because you did not read the conditions well," Ramiz stated.

Leadership Critique

Ramiz Raja emphasised that neither the batters nor the bowlers performed adequately during the match. He questioned Masood's decision-making abilities and his choice of four pacers for the Rawalpindi track in August. "Neither did the batters apply themselves and the bowlers were horrendous. Masood needs to improve his batting and needs to show that you have some knowledge of the game," he asserted.

Raja urged Masood to enhance his batting skills or risk losing his place in the team soon. "He needs to work on his batting. It's not like he is a great captain and so if he keeps getting out ducks, he would still have his place in the side," Ramiz warned.

The defeat has significantly impacted team morale and could lead to further tension within Pakistan cricket. "Losing makes a huge dent in the team and the morale of the side. You cannot lose the series," Ramiz added.

With Pakistan cricket already under immense pressure, this series loss could invite more criticism and questions about their future performances.