Ex-Indian skipper backs Babar Azam for captaincy
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin endorsed Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, but suggested that Azam rethink his batting position.
After a match in Abu Dhabi, Azharuddin told a group of Pakistani journalists that Babar is a world-class player, but that it would be unfair to expect him to play aggressively because that is not his natural game.
“Babar Azam plays cricket in his own unique way; aggression is not his style. He’s been successful thanks to his wide arsenal of shots. As Azhar put it, “we shouldn’t expect him to go against his natural style.”
However, the former Indian captain suggested that Babar try switching up where he bats.
We’ve seen him really struggle against swing in recent games. If he’s having trouble getting hits, he needs to switch up where he’s at the plate. The veteran cricketer said, “If I was in the dressing room with the Pakistan team, I would have definitely advised him to consider changing his batting position, because the Pakistan captain is not a natural opening batter.”
Pakistan’s Babar Azam in action during the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on October 24 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Babar Azam of Pakistan in action at the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 12 Group 2 match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on October 24. Reuters Cricket. “— Reuters
As a commentator, Azhar is currently in the United Arab Emirates for the first ever International League T20 tournament.
The cricketer expressed his support for Babar’s role as captain and argued that he should continue to lead Pakistan.
No player is worthy of instant promotion to captain. He just started working here. He will figure it out, I’m sure. I think Babar should be allowed to remain captain because a player’s leadership abilities can only be evaluated after a few years in the position.
In response to a question, Azhar said that Pakistan possesses talented bowlers but emphasised the importance of fitness for bowlers.
I’ve seen several of them get hurt regularly. They need to put in extra effort to get in shape, as it is difficult for any bowler to get back into their groove after recovering from an injury. On the other hand, the bowlers from Pakistan are excellent, he said.
The former captain was asked about his expectations for the upcoming World Cup 2023, which will be held in India. But he added that it is too soon to make any predictions about the outcome.
As Azhar put it, “so much cricket is to be played prior to it,” so we should all pay attention to that before talking about the World Cup.