Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has highlighted the formidable qualities of Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy. In an online press conference, Fakhar shared his thoughts on preparing for high-stakes matches and the importance of focusing on quality over form when facing world-class players.
Indian Stars: Quality Over Form
Fakhar Zaman emphasized that seasoned Indian batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma possess exceptional skills that make them dangerous opponents, regardless of their recent form. “If some of their matches are bad or they are out of form, it does not mean that we will consider them easy,” Fakhar said.
He acknowledged that Kohli and Rohit have played so much cricket that their preparation is based on their inherent quality rather than current performance trends. He added that the same approach is taken by the Pakistan team when preparing for the entire Indian squad, including standout players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.
Wicket Conditions and Team Preparation
Discussing the Dubai wickets, Fakhar noted that they are no longer as slow as they once were. “It depends on the ground staff what kind of wickets are in the Champions Trophy. It is not good to have flat wickets everywhere; one should play in different conditions,” he explained.
Fakhar also highlighted the importance of focusing on team performance rather than individual players. “We prepare for the entire eleven, not just one player. Every international cricketer is a match-winner, which is why they represent their country,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2017 Champions Trophy
Recalling the iconic Champions Trophy 2017 final, where Pakistan triumphed over India, Fakhar shared that the memories of his century in the match remain fresh. He revealed that the team’s morale was low before the tournament, but their remarkable performance turned the tide. Those memories will always stay with me. It showed how crucial teamwork and determination are in achieving success.
Playing in Dubai: Crowd Support and Performance
Fakhar expressed his hope for strong crowd support in Dubai, especially in matches against India. While acknowledging the absence of a home crowd, he said, “Crowd support is important, but the most important thing is how we perform as a team on the ground.”
Fitness and Form
Fakhar Zaman assured fans of his readiness for the Champions Trophy, citing his participation in the ILT20 league and domestic matches. International cricket cannot be compared to any league in the world. I am preparing well, and both my fitness and form are in good shape.
The Bigger Picture
Fakhar emphasized the need to stay focused and treat every match with seriousness. He acknowledged that big players facing criticism for being out of form is common, but the focus should remain on the game. As cricketers, we learn to adapt and focus, no matter what.
