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Kaneria on Babar's BBL Exit: "Swallow Bitter Pills" for the Team

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has commented on Babar Azam's early exit from the Big Bash League and an incident where he was denied the strike. Kaneria stated that such decisions are part of professional team sports and should not be viewed emotionally. He advised Babar to accept tough calls with maturity, emphasizing that the team's needs must always come first. Kaneria concluded that players must sometimes be prepared to "swallow bitter pills" for the greater good of the team.

Key Points: Kaneria Advises Babar on BBL Strike Denial Incident

  • Babar Azam struggled for runs in BBL
  • He felt disrespected after being denied strike
  • Kaneria calls such decisions part of team sports
  • Advises Babar to accept tough calls professionally
  • Stresses the team should always come first
2 min read

'When you think of the team, you have to swallow bitter pills,' Kaneria on Babar being denied strike in BBL

Danish Kaneria reacts to Babar Azam's BBL exit, says team decisions require players to sometimes "swallow bitter pills" for the greater good.

"When you think of the team, sometimes you have to swallow bitter pills, and that's okay. - Danish Kaneria"

New Delhi, Jan 23

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria while reacting to Babar Azam's early exit from the Big Bash League and an on-field incident with Steve Smith, where the former Pakistan captain was denied a strike, stated that when a player thinks of the team, he must sometimes be prepared to "swallow bitter pills."

Babar was struggling for runs in the ongoing BBL season. He scored just 202 runs in 11 games. He left BBL midway and returned to Pakistan to join his national team to commence preparations for upcoming international matches.

Reacting to reports suggesting that Babar felt 'disrespected' during the Sydney Sixers match, Kaneria said such situations are part and parcel of professional cricket and should not be viewed emotionally.

"Social media creates unnecessary chaos. Babar was denied a strike, and Rizwan was also recalled earlier. These things happen in team sports. No one does these things intentionally. Even in the IPL, when players don't perform or when team balance is needed, decisions are taken. That doesn't mean something dramatic has happened. Even Tilak Varma was called back in a game," Kaneria told IANS.

"Cricket is a team game. You don't play individually; this is not tennis or golf. All eleven players share responsibility. If the captain feels runs are not coming or the team needs a player back, he can call him. There is nothing wrong with that," he added.

Advising Babar to look beyond the noise, Kaneria added that professionalism lies in accepting tough calls with maturity. "Babar doesn't need to be upset. If the team needs him, he should come back respectfully. When you think of the team, sometimes you have to swallow bitter pills, and that's okay. The team should always come first," he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I think this is a non-issue. Steve Smith is a competitor, he was playing for his team's win. Babar's form wasn't great anyway. Hope he finds his rhythm back in Pakistan colours.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, social media *does* create unnecessary chaos. Remember when Hardik took back strike from Tilak in the IPL? Same thing. Fans need to chill. The game is bigger than any one player.
A
Ananya R
While I agree team comes first, there's a way to do things. Denying strike to a former captain, especially from a rival nation, can feel disrespectful. A bit of sportsmanship from Smith wouldn't have hurt. Just my two paise.
K
Karthik V
Babar scored 202 in 11 games... that's not a great return for a player of his calibre. Maybe the team management lost confidence. It happens. He should focus on the upcoming series now. All the best to him.
M
Michael C
"Swallow bitter pills" is such a good phrase. True for any profession. Sometimes you have to take one for the team. Hope Babar uses this as motivation.

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