Islamabad, Feb 14: Pakistan’s limited-overs captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has voiced his unwavering support for Babar Azam as the team prepares for the tri-series final against New Zealand. Despite Babar’s recent struggles with the bat, Rizwan remains confident that the former captain’s technical prowess and resilience will see him return to peak form, especially with the Champions Trophy on the horizon.
Babar Azam’s form has been a growing concern for Pakistan cricket, as his batting average has steadily declined since the Asia Cup in August 2023. The 30-year-old has endured a challenging phase in the ongoing tri-series, managing an average of just 16.50 this year. His struggles were evident in the first match against New Zealand, where he was dismissed for just 10 runs, while other batters, such as Fakhar Zaman, capitalized on scoring opportunities.
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However, Rizwan has dismissed concerns about Babar’s form, attributing the scrutiny to the exceptionally high standards the star batter has set over the years. “Babar has scored so many runs for Pakistan that people expect him to score a hundred every game. If we assess him without those extreme expectations, we can see he is still contributing valuable runs,” Rizwan said.
The expectations surrounding Babar Azam have undeniably placed added pressure on him. Rizwan acknowledged that while Babar’s dip in form is noticeable, it does not indicate any significant technical flaws. “As a captain, I expect more from him too because of what he has achieved in the past. There’s obviously additional pressure, and I’m sure he feels that. But Babar is still contributing. He is being tested, but I’m confident he’ll overcome this challenge,” Rizwan asserted.
There have been glimpses of Babar regaining his touch in recent series, particularly during Pakistan’s ODI victories in South Africa and Australia, where he registered two fifties and crucial contributions. However, his role change to opening the batting in the ongoing tri-series has added further complexity to his struggles.
As Pakistan heads into the tri-series final, the scrutiny on Babar Azam’s form intensifies. Rizwan’s faith in his teammate remains steadfast, but with the Champions Trophy looming, Babar’s performances in the coming months will play a crucial role in shaping his legacy in international cricket.
