Babar Azam needs to step up and improve a lot tactically: Ramiz Raja

NEW DELHI: The nightmares of the embarrassing loss to Afghanistan in the ongoing ODI World Cup continue to haunt Pakistan as former skipper Ramiz Raja on Tuesday labelled the defeat as a massive disaster, pointing out that the team has hit rock bottom.
As Afghanistan crushed Pakistan by 8 wickets in Chennai on Monday, Ramiz said that

Babar Azam

and co. were completely outplayed in all the three departments of the game.
The former PCB head also slammed the body language of the players during the match against Afghanistan, mentioning that the defeat will hurt Pakistan for a long time.

Questioning the moves made by Babar while defending the total, Ramiz said that the skipper needs to improve a lot tactically.

"Pakistan have a lot of problems to deal with. Babar Azam needs to improve a lot tactically. Hasan Ali was getting the ball to reverse towards the back end of the innings. The equation was run-a-ball at that stage. Pakistan needed wickets, and Hasan looked very close to getting a dismissal. What was the need to bowl a spinner from the other end?," Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.

"After this World Cup, there has to be a serious discussion about altering the DNA of this team. They need a complete overhaul in terms of mindset, approach, new talent, and new ideas. We need to improve on each and every aspect. Pakistan have hit rock bottom. Babar Azam needs to step up and prove himself as a leader amid all this," Ramiz said.

Ramiz, who is also commentating in the World Cup recalled his post-match conversation with Babar, saying that the disappointment of the defeat was clear on Babar's face.
"It was a massive disaster for Pakistan in this World Cup. Losing to Afghanistan will hurt badly. The disappointment was writ large on Babar Azam's face when I interviewed him... Pakistan have never dealt with a surprising defeat like this one before," Ramiz said.
Pakistan are currently 5th on the points table with 2 wins and three defeats in 5 matches.