India legend Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back in his post-match reaction following Pakistan’s dismal showing against India in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash. Seeing Pakistan folded for just 127 and India chasing it down in just over fifteen overs, Gavaskar said the side no longer even resemble a national team, instead calling them a “Popatwadi team” — a colloquial Mumbai term for a team that looks weak, amateurish or completely outclassed.
The comments came after a game in Dubai where Pakistan’s batting imploded. From winning the toss and choosing to bat, they could never build momentum. Early wickets, erratic shot selection and lack of partnerships marked their innings. Sahibzada Farhan tried to steady things with a modest 40, and Shaheen Shah Afridi added a late flourish with 33 not out off 16, but by then the damage was already done. The spin attack from India — particularly through Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel — ran through Pakistan’s middle order, exposing glaring deficiencies in temperament and technique.
In response, India’s chase was clinical. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma gave India flying starts, and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 saw India over the line with more than four overs to spare. It was the sort of supremacy that stretches beyond mere numbers — it was about control, confidence and calm under pressure.
Gavaskar’s critique tapped into that contrast. With decades of watching Pakistan play dating back to the 1960s, he said this was perhaps the weakest Pakistan side he’s seen in terms of collective performance in a high-pressure game. He recalled watching greats like Hanif Mohammad, and said that those old teams would never fold so meekly or look so unprepared. “Yeh koi Popatwadi team hai” he said, meaning “this is some Popatwadi team,” not the Pakistan he’s long respected.
Unsurprisingly, his remarks have sparked debate. Some agree with his assessment, pointing out that Pakistan’s openers failed to put up a fight, that their middle order crumbled when needed, and that their overall strategy looked flat. Fans critical of the side’s performance say this isn’t simply about one bad game — it’s about worrying patterns in high-stakes matches.
On the other hand, many believe Gavaskar’s comments were harsh, even disrespectful. Critics argue that labeling a national side “Popatwadi” overlooks external pressures—injuries, team changes, and tough matchups can’t be discounted. There are those who feel Pakistan deserves more nuance in criticism, especially given playing against India under stadium, political and media intensity adds layers of pressure unlike most fixtures.
The term “Popatwadi team” itself has roots in local Mumbai cricket slang. It suggests not just weakness, but perhaps lack of fight or preparation. Applying it to a national side carries weight, and some suggest Gavaskar’s comment will be remembered as one of the more brutal post-match jibes in recent rivalry memory.
From Pakistan’s side, response has been muted so far. Coaches and players are likely to review the match, analyze failures, and prepare to bounce back. The loss has also now become about more than just losing — it’s about perception, pride and identity. For Pakistan, restoring confidence will be more urgent than ever.
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