'If talks won games, they would have won': Harbhajan Singh on India-Pakistan contests

Harbhajan Singh criticized Pakistani players after their Asia Cup performance. India defeated Pakistan in both encounters. Singh highlighted the experienced players' failure to deliver. He pointed out their focus on verbal tactics over actual performance. Indian batsmen dominated, forming strong partnerships. Pakistani bowlers struggled to take wickets. Singh emphasized the importance of on-field performance over off-field aggression.

Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan speaks to Abhishek Sharma of India and Shubman Gill of India (Getty Images)

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh criticised Pakistan's senior players for their lack of performance and leadership in the ongoing Asia Cup matches against India, where Pakistan lost both encounters and extended their losing streak to seven matches against their neighbours, highlighting a growing gap between the two teams in white-ball cricket. India demonstrated superior performance in both matches, with their openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma forming a solid 105-run partnership on Sunday despite attempts by Pakistani bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to unsettle them through verbal exchanges.

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The difference in quality between the two sides was evident in their on-field performance, with Pakistan's experienced players failing to make an impact despite their aggressive approach off the field. "If talks were to win the game, I think they would have won," Harbhajan said of the match on Sports Today. "But it was between bat and ball, and I think that's where India were far, far ahead of Pakistan." Pakistan's senior bowlers struggled to make an impact in the crucial early overs of the match, with both Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf unable to secure wickets during the powerplay. "Their senior bowlers like Haris or Shaheen Shah Afridi, they went for plenty. They couldn't get a single wicket in the first six overs. They are the most experienced players," explained Harbhajan. "So if your experienced players are only shouting and talking, and not able to deliver with the ball or bat, you'll see the results they are getting." The match in Dubai saw Haris Rauf engaging in confrontations with Indian fans and the opening batsmen, while Shaheen Afridi's attempts to mentally unsettle the Indian openers proved ineffective as he conceded 40 runs without taking any wickets. Various factors including talent pool, fitness, and application have been cited for India's dominance over Pakistan in white-ball cricket, but Harbhajan emphasised that the lack of leadership and responsibility from Pakistan's experienced players has been particularly detrimental. Pakistan's strategy of focusing on mental games and off-field tactics instead of improving their on-field performance has backfired, according to Harbhajan's analysis of the matches. "Let them talk, we will talk with the bat and ball, and we will answer when required the best," concluded the Indian spin bowling great, dismissing the importance of verbal exchanges in comparison to actual performance.

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