Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is having a decent time in the current BPL season. He plays for Rangpur Riders and 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 and the entire PCB management was changed. Mohammad Hafeez became Director of Cricket, Wahab Riaz became Chairman of Selectors and there was also a change in leadership. Shan Masood was named the new Test captain and Shaheen Afridi was the new T20I captain.
Babar scored more than 1000 runs in 2023 but only scored 320 runs in the ODI World Cup. He failed to score too many runs in the T20I series against New Zealand, both at home and in New Zealand.
In a recent interview on the sidelines of BPL 2024, Babar admitted that he is not satisfied with his current position and believes that there are still numerous milestones to conquer in his cricketing journey.
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“I am not satisfied with where I am now and there are still more milestones to achieve. When I fail, I talk to a lot of people and learn from my mistakes,” Babar Azam was quoted as saying by cricketpakistan.com.pk.
He further said that playing in the BPL and facing quality players, he is interested in changing his playing style and adapting to the conditions.
“In the BPL, quality spinners are a challenge and I try to adapt my game to the local conditions. I came 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 to create partnerships. Youngblood is a good thing in T20 cricket but he needs to be accompanied by experience,” added Babar.
Asian players find it challenging in Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa: Babar Azam
Babar Azam recalled Pakistan’s whitewash against Australia in the recent Test series. A defeat has put them back on the points table and the team has lost key WTC points. The batsman scored only 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 was quoted as saying by cricketpakistan.com.pk.
Additionally, he talked about his strengths as a hitter and said that the cover drive is his favorite short drive. Babar has been criticized for choosing T20I cricket over Test and ODI cricket. In a generation where people are choosing to play the longer format more than the white-ball formats, Babar has hardly played Test cricket against top countries.
“My coverage campaign is my strength; Playing this shot boosts my confidence. “I have worked hard for the cover campaign and now I am considered an expert to some extent,” he concluded by saying.
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