[EXCLUSIVE] "I think there are potentially better players than Babar Azam to open": Jason Gillespie

[FearlessRoar]

Jason Gillespie, former Australia fast-bowler and Pakistan head coach, joined Saj for an exclusive interview for PakPassion and shares his insights on Pakistan cricket, the Champions Trophy, and Australia’s squad challenges. He discusses Pakistan hosting the tournament, their squad selection, and whether Babar Azam should open.

He also analyzes the pressure on Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, along with Australia’s injury concerns. Gillespie examines Pakistan’s struggles with death bowling and why India remains the tournament favorite. With his vast coaching experience as guide, he breaks down key aspects of the game and what teams must do to succeed, offering a thought-provoking take on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Main topics covered in this interview:

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan: The significance of hosting and challenges Pakistan might face.

Australia’s Young Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Can their fresh talent rise to the big occasion?

Australia’s Mental Strength: How their winning mindset gives them an edge in ICC events.

Pakistan’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Are the selected players ready to handle the tournament pressure?

Babar Azam as an ODI Opener: Is opening the best role for Pakistan’s star batter?

Shaheen Afridi & Naseem Shah’s Impact: Pakistan’s pace duo and their importance in key matches.

Pakistan’s Death Bowling Concerns: Struggles in the final overs and how they can improve.

Gillespie’s Top 4 and CT Winner Prediction: His picks for the semifinalists and potential champions.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[BouncerGuy]

That is true... Very True... ODI has a different mentality to what people think about as in T20s and ODI are almost same. Nope it is not.

It take guts, mental strength, good technique, temperament and bravery to excel in some roles in a particular format and babar so far has proven to be a poor opener..

PCB is trying to fix a thing that is not even broken....

 

[pakistani pride]

That is true... Very True... ODI has a different mentality to what people think about as in T20s and ODI are almost same. Nope it is not.

It take guts, mental strength, good technique, temperament and bravery to excel in some roles in a particular format and babar so far has proven to be a poor opener..

PCB is trying to fix a thing that is not even broken....

Babar lacks strength and bravery to begin with...

 

[shaf]

Been saying this for years.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Time to revamp the whole setup and not just the opening vows. Pakistan needs to play Usman and Imam as opener in the next game (DEAD-RUBBER) instead of babar.

Babar's time is over

 

[pakistani pride]

Time to revamp the whole setup and not just the opening vows. Pakistan needs to play Usman and Imam as opener in the next game (DEAD-RUBBER) instead of babar.

Babar's time is over

Revamp, but play Imam.
I would rather play with 10 !

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Dizzy has been led down that route by the Circus board that there's endless talent in Pakistan.

But the biggest thing is there's no resources and no talent.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Revamp, but play Imam.
I would rather play with 10 !

Currently we have to play with what we have...Last game remaining. Atleast try Usman and see if he has the potential for ODIs because he is not that good for T20s.

 

[Xoib]

Will dizzy take our job again if there is an iron clad 2 year non termination contract it’s whishful thinking I know but I felt he was very sincere in making Pakistan good again but the clowns at the top had their own way

 

[pakistani pride]

Currently we have to play with what we have...Last game remaining. Atleast try Usman and see if he has the potential for ODIs because he is not that good for T20s.

He should never play.

Think out of the box - not that it will happen, but open with Tahir and Usman. Just let them have a go. Nothing to lose. This will be. Better then 50 from 75 balls as per standard which is Imam.