Ponting and Shastri Speak Out The Brutal Truth Behind Babar’s World Cup Flop:

It’s no secret that Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. But the loudest noise isn't coming from the fans anymore—it’s coming from the legends of the game. Babar Azam, once hailed as the "King" of modern batting, is now facing a brutal reality check from icons like Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri.

The Legends Weigh In: No Place to Hide

When two of the sharpest minds in cricket speak, people listen. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and former Indian coach Ravi Shastri didn't hold back in their assessment of Babar’s performance. The consensus? Being a "class" player is no longer enough if you can't win matches when they matter most.

Ponting, known for his aggressive leadership, pointed out that Babar’s strike rate and approach seem stuck in a bygone era. In a tournament where teams are hunting for every extra run, Babar’s cautious style put immense pressure on the rest of the Pakistan lineup.

Ravi Shastri was equally blunt. He noted that while Babar has the technique, he lacks the "killer instinct" needed to lead a team through a high-pressure World Cup. According to Shastri, the gap between Babar’s reputation and his actual impact on the field has become impossible to ignore.

A "Flop" That Hurt Deep

Pakistan’s losses to the USA and India weren't just bad luck—they were tactical failures. Critics argue that as the captain and the anchor of the batting unit, Babar Azam failed to adapt to the slow, tricky pitches in the USA. Instead of leading from the front, he seemed weighed down by the burden of the captaincy.

The numbers don't lie. For a player of his caliber, a World Cup without a single match-defining innings is seen as a massive failure. It wasn't just about the runs; it was about the intent.

What’s Next for Babar?

The backlash from greats like Ponting and Shastri puts Babar at a crossroads. There is a growing demand in Pakistan for a total overhaul of the T20 squad, starting with the leadership. Can Babar reinvent himself as a modern T20 aggressor, or has the pressure of being the "everything" for Pakistan cricket finally taken its toll?

One thing is for sure: the honeymoon period is over. If Babar wants to reclaim his throne, he’ll have to do more than just score "pretty" fifties he’ll have to prove the legends wrong.