NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas has suggested that Babar Azam, currently struggling with form, might be either too egotistical or too shy to seek advice from experienced players.
Zaheer, who scored 100 first-class centuries, emphasised the importance of Babar consulting with senior players to address technical flaws in his batting.
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“I think either Babar Azam has an ego issue or is too shy to seek advice from his seniors in overcoming his current situation,” Zaheer said, as quoted by PTI.
He cited examples such as Younis Khan seeking advice from Mohammad Azharuddin in 2016, and Azharuddin consulting Zaheer during India’s 1989-90 tour of Pakistan.
Zaheer noted a change in Babar’s stance, suggesting it has become more closed, potentially causing timing issues and early dismissals.
“In 2016, Younis Khan spoke to Muhammad Azharuddin and went on to score a double hundred in England. I also recall how Azharuddin had sought guidance from me on India’s tour to Pakistan in 1989-90,” he added. “He was struggling to find runs, and I told him to change his batting grip. Saeed Anwar sought Sunil Gavaskar’s advice.”
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Babar, Pakistan’s leading batter across formats, last scored an international century against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup and has faced early dismissals in the ongoing Pakistan Super League.
Inzamam-ul-Haq, also associated with Peshawar Zalmi, acknowledged that top batsmen often experience rough patches, adding, “That hundred in the Multan test against Bangladesh turned it around for me.”
Inzamam advised Babar to target the right bowlers at the right times.
“Babar, you already have all the cricket shots. But to win more matches, you need to wait for the right bowler and the right moment. Don’t try to hit every ball – be patient and smart,” he added.
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