Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is having a decent time in the ongoing BPL season. He is playing for the Rangpur Riders and has scored 157 runs in four innings at an average of 52.33 and a strike rate of 112.95.
Babar had a tough time in the ICC World Cup 2023 followed by the Test series against Australia. After Pakistan’s disappointing World Cup campaign, Babar was removed as captain with the entire PCB administration changed. Mohammad Hafeez became the Director of Cricket, Wahab Riaz the Chairman of selectors and there was a change in leadership as well. Shan Masood was named the new Test captain and Shaheen Afridi was the new T20I captain.
Babar scored over 1000 runs in 2023 but scored just 320 runs in the ODI World Cup. He could not score too many runs in the T20I series against New Zealand both and home and in New Zealand.
In a recent interview from the sidelines of BPL 2024, Babar acknowledged that he is not satisfied with his current position and believes there are still numerous milestones to conquer in his cricketing journey.
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“I am not satisfied with where I am right now, and there are still more milestones to achieve. When I fail, I talk to many people and learn from my mistakes,” Babar Azam said, as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.pk.
He further said that playing in the BPL and facing quality spinners he is keen on changing his style of play and getting himself adjusted to the conditions.
“In the BPL, quality spinners pose a challenge, and I try to adapt my game according to the conditions everywhere. I have arrived here from New Zealand, and there is a difference in conditions between the two,” he said.
“I make an effort to play by staying on the wicket for partnership-building. Youngblood is a good thing in T20 cricket, but it needs to be accompanied by experience,” Babar added further.
Asian Players Find It Challenging In Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa: Babar Azam
Babar Azam recalled Pakistan’s whitewash against Australia in the recent Test series. A loss has pegged them back on the points table and the team has lost key WTC points. The batter scored just 126 runs in the Test series at an average of 21.00 with a best of 41.
“An experienced player knows how to handle pressure. Asian players find it challenging in Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa. The solution to this is preparation for both bounce and money,” Azam said, as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.pk..
He further spoke about his strengths as a batter saying that the cover drive is his favorite short. Babar has been criticized for choosing T20I cricket over Test and ODI cricket. In a generation where people are choosing to play the longest format more than the white-ball formats, Babar has hardly played Test cricket against top countries.
“My cover drive is my strength; playing this shot boosts my confidence. I have worked hard for the cover drive, and now I am considered an expert to some extent,” he concluded saying.
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