[EXCLUSIVE] "Pakistan's batting is a real concern": Vernon Philander

[FearlessRoar]

Former South African cricketer and renowned commentator Vernon Philander shares his honest and insightful views on Pakistan cricket’s current struggles, strengths, and road ahead for the Champions Trophy in an exclusive interview with Saj for PakPassion.

Having worked closely with Pakistan’s pacers in the past, Philander offers a unique perspective on key issues. He discusses why Pakistan’s batting remains a major concern heading into the tournament and how their formidable pace attack could still be a game-changer.

He also addresses fans' frustration over squad selection and playing style, the impact of Gaddafi Stadium’s renovation, and whether Afghanistan could spring a surprise in Karachi. Despite recent struggles, he explains why Pakistan can still be a serious contender.

Main topics covered in this interview:

The Revamped Gaddafi Stadium: Shares his thoughts on the recent renovations at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and how they might influence Pakistan’s home advantage in major tournaments.

South African Players Prioritizing SA20 Over International Cricket: With several South African cricketers opting for SA20 instead of national duties, Philander discusses how this shift is affecting the country’s cricketing landscape.

Anrich Nortje’s Injury and Its Impact on South Africa: The absence of Anrich Nortje due to injury has raised concerns for South Africa ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Philander analyzes how this could affect the team’s bowling attack.

Pakistan’s Squad and Its Chances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Provides his insights on Pakistan’s squad, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and key areas for improvement before the tournament.

Philander’s Top Four Picks for the ICC Champions Trophy: Based on recent performances and squad strength, Philander shares his top four teams to watch out for in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

South Africa’s Prospects in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Assesses South Africa’s squad, key players, and their chances of making a strong run in the tournament.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Bowling is an equally perturbing concern, Vernon has been so generous here.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Bowling is an equally perturbing concern, Vernon has been so generous here.

Batting is far inferior though, bowling wins us games here and there.

Even in the best form, Rizwan and Salman were choked quite effectively by the NZ spinners. The issue is, besides Fakhar, no one has the skill nor the audacity to try something different and stick to playing dot balls and waiting for the odd bad ball.

We have been left far behind, it’s like the top teams are playing on different pitches compared to our lot.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

When you have a minnow level batting lineup then it’s suicidal to play on batting wickets , still PCB needs to rethink it’s strategy on batting surface.

 

[BouncerGuy]

He is right... Batting is the real concern. Bowlers are not gonna save you every day... Need to help them

 

[Justcrazy]

The real issue is balance , Pakistan not finding right balance because of lack of multi skill players.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Pakistan's all round skills are a major concern as they've not developed it over the years.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan's all round skills are a major concern as they've not developed it over the years.

PCB has a habit of calling a player back in the team out of nowhere. WHat happens is that they start playing new faces in the team but when the tournament comes, they will start saying that they will prefer experience som in the process, they will leave youngsters out for the sake of trundlers and misfired bullets like Khushdil and faheem in the name of making their batting strong.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Battin has always been Pakistan's problem. Always... When was the last time when we had a settled squad in terms of batting.