After Pakistan’s dismal defeat against India in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash on Sunday, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar did not mince his words. The former India captain used a sharp phrase, calling Pakistan a “Popatwadi team.”

The expression, drawn from local cricket slang, is often used to describe a side considered weak or lacking strength. Gavaskar stressed the term while pointing out how far Pakistan cricket has fallen compared to its past standards and dominance. He further remarked that in his five-decade-long journey as a player and commentator, this current Pakistan side seems the least threatening he has ever seen. 

For him, it highlighted not just one defeat but the overall decline of Pakistan cricket, which once produced some of the game’s fiercest competitors and match-winners. His blunt remarks underscored the disappointment many feel about Pakistan’s struggles on the big stage.

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Sunil Gavaskar’s Remark on Pakistan Team After Their Embarrassing Defeat Against India:

Sunil Gavaskar began his international career in 1971 and, over the next 17 years, faced some of Pakistan’s most formidable cricketers. Legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Sarfaraz Nawaz, Zaheer Abbas, and Mudassar Nazar were among the opponents he often battled against during his playing days.

After retiring, Gavaskar moved into commentary and continued to witness Pakistan’s golden era, featuring stalwarts such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan. 

Now at 76, with decades of experience in the game, Gavaskar finds it hard to accept the dramatic decline in Pakistan’s cricketing standards compared to the glory days when they consistently produced world-class match-winners.

On Sony Sports Network, he said, “ I don't know whether Ajay [Jadeja], Viru [Virender Sehwag] or Irfan [Pathan] agree with me, but I have been following the Pakistan team from the 1960s – I remember I had once run all the way from Churchgate Station to the Wankhede Stadium to catch a glimpse of the great Hanif Mohammad.”

He added, “ From there, I have watched Pakistan cricket keenly. But today is the first time I felt that this is not a Pakistan team. Yeh koi Popatwadi team hai (This is some Popatwadi team).”

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Agree with his take on Pakistan?

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It is difficult to disagree with Sunil Gavaskar’s observations. The legendary Indian batter highlighted the growing gap between India and Pakistan, a contrast to the fierce contests of past decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, Pakistan often had the upper hand over India, making their rivalry one of the most intense in cricket. 

However, times have changed drastically. India now clearly stands as the stronger side, consistently outplaying Pakistan across formats. Their latest triumph only added to the dominance, marking India’s 11th victory in the last 14 T20I meetings between the two nations, underlining their remarkable superiority.

Sunday’s clash was seen as a chance for Pakistan to script a new chapter, with mostly fresh faces on both sides. Yet, the result remained predictable. Unless something extraordinary happens, the outcome is likely to repeat when the arch-rivals meet again in the Super Fours.