Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan lacking 'natural talent', will struggle against India B team, says Indian legend

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Pakistan's dismal run in the Champions Trophy 2025 has raised serious questions about their cricketing depth, with legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar asserting that even an India B team could defeat them in their current form.

Hosting the tournament, Pakistan suffered back-to-back losses-first a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, followed by a six-wicket loss to India -- effectively sealing their group -- stage exit.

Speaking on Sports Today, Gavaskar expressed astonishment at Pakistan's lack of bench strength and sharp decline in their trademark natural talent. "I think a B team 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," he remarked.

Pakistan's struggles against India were evident from the start. Batting first in Dubai, they crawled to 241 all out in 49.4 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan failing to accelerate despite hitting a boundary off his first ball. India chased the target comfortably in 42.3 overs, with Virat Kohli smashing an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls.

Gavaskar pointed out the lack of intent in Pakistan's batting. "The first ball (Mohammad) Rizwan faced, he hit for a boundary. Straightaway, I thought there would be a change in approach... But nothing changed. Before they knew it, the Indian spinners were finishing their overs quickly. It was quite surprising that nothing went their way," he said.

The absence of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, two of Pakistan's most aggressive batters, left them struggling for replacements. Imam-ul-Haq, who replaced Fakhar, managed just 10 runs off 26 balls before running himself out. Gavaskar was surprised at Pakistan's lack of ready-made talent to step up.

"I think it's surprising-this lack of bench strength. Pakistan always had natural talent. Natural in the sense that they may not have always been technically correct, but they had an instinctive understanding of bat and ball," he explained.

Drawing a contrast with India's talent pool, Gavaskar credited the IPL for India's depth in white-ball cricket. "Players from there have gone on to play in the Ranji Trophy and eventually for India. That is something Pakistan cricket must analyse. They need to figure out why they no longer have the bench strength they once did," he concluded.

With their Champions Trophy exit confirmed, Pakistan might soon face another round of structural changes, as they look to rebuild ahead of future tournaments.