Former Pakistan Batsman Mocks Rohit Sharma, Labels India ‘Paper Tigers’ After Terrible Loss to New Zealand

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Ahmed Shehzad, the former Pakistan opener, didn't hold back in his criticism of Rohit Sharma's Indian team after their 2-0 Test series loss to New Zealand on home turf. The defeat ended India's impressive streak of 18 consecutive bilateral home series victories.

This brought up questions about the team's readiness. Shehzad, known for his outspoken nature on social media, took the opportunity to mock India's performance and leadership. In a video on his YouTube channel, Shehzad expressed his admiration for New Zealand's dominant display.

He praised the visitors for outclassing India in both matches. He referred to India as "paper tigers" who struggled to match New Zealand's intensity on home soil. "New Zealand have come to India and thrashed them as if they had the right to do so, beating them like kids and walking away," Shehzad commented.

He added that people are now calling India "Kagaz ke sher, aur ghar mein dher" (paper tigers, crumbled at home), a sentiment resonating among fans disappointed by India's lackluster performances. The former cricketer further highlighted what he saw as complacency in the Indian side.

After being bowled out for just 46 runs in the first Test, Rohit Sharma had dismissed the result as a "bad day." However, Shehzad suggested that this attitude was emblematic of a deeper issue, as the Indian team appeared to lack intensity in the second match as well.

"Rohit Sharma says that they don't believe in unnecessary talk, but that spirit was missing in the last two Tests," he noted. "These two matches have been played in a way that makes it seem like schoolboys were playing."

This defeat has impacted India's World Test Championship standings, though they remain on top with a lead over Australia. India now have one Test left in the series and a crucial five-match series against Australia approaching.

Hence, Rohit Sharma and his squad will be under pressure to reverse their fortunes. The final Test against New Zealand, set to be played at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium from November 1, will be pivotal for India's hopes of maintaining their place in the WTC finals.