Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni Were Useful Even At Their 50%, Pakistan Doesn’t Have That Calibre: Ramiz Raja Slams PCB For Not Trying New Players

Former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not trying new players and giving chances to youngsters in international cricket. He also cited the example of the rival Indian team, saying Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni were useful even at their 50%, but Pakistan doesn’t have that caliber.

Raja’s words came after Pakistan defeated a depleted South Africa and Zimbabwe on their recent tour of Africa. Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in the T20I series, while clean swept them 2-0 in the Tests. However, Raja was not happy with Pakistan not sending new faces to Zimbabwe, who aren’t exactly at the level they used to be two decades or so ago.

We Don’t Have Players Of That Caliber. For Example, MS Dhoni And Sachin Tendulkar, Despite Being At Their 50%, Were Still Very Useful: Ramiz Raja

Raja, as quoted while speaking on a YouTube channel called ‘The Indian News’, said the team should have traveled with new players, and even if they lost, they would have learned something from the experience.

“Even if you lose with new players in the side, there is at least a silver lining that you figure out players are capable and those who aren’t. You move on and test another player. With old players, who already who know what their value addition (to the team) is,” said Ramiz.

He said that it was time to move on from older players, especially in T20Is, and give chances to young faces and there was little use of calling back older players. He gave the example of Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni and said that our players are not of their caliber.

“We don’t have players of that caliber. For example, MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, despite being at their 50%, were still very useful. This just reinforces the fear we have about losing matches. For the sake of winning, we are destroying the system,” Ramiz opined.

When The Pressure Increases, Call Back The Old Players: Ramiz Raja

The cricketer-turned-commentator further noted that Pakistan missed a golden opportunity to test out their bench strength on the tour of Zimbabwe in the T20Is and could’ve experimented. Also, he said that there is a tendency to make poor decisions under pressure, the youngster and newcomers are still a long way behind.

“When the pressure increases, call back the old players. When the pressure increases, call back the fixers. when the pressure increases, you play an extra wicketkeeper as a middle-order batsman. That’s now how teams are built. It just goes to show the state of our system wherein the new players are a long way behind,” added Ramiz.

Pakistan was led by their new captain Babar Azam in a full-time capacity and he started off well against both Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Also Read: Pat Cummins Names The Toughest Batsmen In World Cricket To Bowl To