"Pakistan can beat India..."- Jason Gillespie counter attacks Sunil Gavaskar's India B Team theory

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie responded to legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar’s remark that even India’s B team could defeat Pakistan right now. Jason Gillespie stated that Pakistan can beat India, but only if the selectors and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allow coaches to manage the team.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led team was knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy after suffering back-to-back losses in their first two matches. Notably, they were the defending champions in the tournament but failed to secure any victory. They finished at the bottom of the Group A table in the tournament.

India B Team Will Be Very, Very Hard to Beat for Pakistan - Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar said that Pakistan can't defeat even a weaker Indian side. Speaking on Sports Today, he stated that India’s C team might not pose a challenge, but their B team would still be extremely difficult for Pakistan to beat, given their current form.

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"I think a B team (from India) certainly (can give Pakistan a run for their money). C team, I am not too sure. But a B team will be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form," Gavaskar said on 'Sports Today'.

Pakistan began their campaign with a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi. The Men in Green suffered a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in a must-win clash in Dubai. Their final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday, February 27, was abandoned due to heavy rain.

Both teams shared a point, but neither had a chance to progress further. The defending champions' early exit was a huge disappointment for fans. They ended the tournament winless, with a net run rate of -1.087, while Bangladesh, also winless, finished with a slightly better NRR of -0.443.

Don't Agree That There's a Lack of Talent in Pakistan - Jason Gillespie

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie disagreed with Sunil Gavaskar’s comments, stating that Pakistan has plenty of talented players. Jason Gillespie added that Pakistan can defeat India without any interference from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"No, I don't agree that there's a lack of talent in Pakistan. If the selectors pick the right players and the selectors and the board leave the managing of the team to the coaches, then Pakistan can beat India. There are plenty of talented players in Pakistan. Identify the talented ones, give them opportunities and support without board interference, and you'll see a successful Pakistan team," Jason Gillespie told The Times of India.

India to Face New Zealand in Crucial Final League Match of ICC Champions Trophy

The final Group A match between India and New Zealand will take place on March 2 in Dubai. Notably, the winner will top the group with an unbeaten record.

The outcome will determine the semi-final matchups. The Group A winner will face the second-placed team from Group B, while the Group B topper will take on the loser of the India vs. New Zealand clash.

Regardless of their position in the standings, India’s semi-final date and venue have already been set. They will play their knockout match in Dubai on March 4, two days after their clash against New Zealand.

Also read: IPL 2025: RCB all set to lose another title? Virat Kohli's team in tatters during Champions Trophy 2025