Babar Azam has been on a record-breaking spree with the bat lately and the Pakistan skipper is keen to take his team to the World Cup glory in the process.
Last week, Babar became the first batter to smash three consecutive centuries on two separate occasions in ODIs.
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In an exclusive chat with AFP, Babar said his runs count for little if it does not bring success to his team at the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year and the ODI World Cup in India next year.
"No doubt I am enjoying my form," he said. "But with this form my prime goal is to win the two World Cups for Pakistan in the next one-and-a-half years and if that happens I will feel that my runs are worth gold."
Babar Azam was part of two Under-19 World Cups 2010 and 2012. While he scored the most runs for his country on both occasions, Pakistan failed to lift the title.
In the 2019 ODI World Cup, the 27-year-old Babar once again top-scored for his side but Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-finals.
During the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE, Azam finished as the highest run-getter in the tournament but Pakistan lost to Australia in the semi-final to get knocked out of the showpiece event.
"When I started playing cricket as a schoolboy the target was to play international cricket for Pakistan, become the world's top batsman in such a manner that it helps my team to win all the titles," he said.
Babar attributes his success to extensive preparation and self-belief.
"Nowadays international cricket is so tough and players are so skilled that if you don't prepare well, you can't compete.
"The first and foremost thing is that you have to have belief in yourself and with that mindset I get into the middle and bat with a positive and aggressive intent.
"I always want to dominate the opponents, and that pays off. When you score runs, not only the world acknowledges and fans are enraptured, it also motivates the whole team and they also aim to contribute."
Babar Azam was handed Pakistan’s all-format captaincy in 2019. Rather than feeling the pressure of expectations, he enjoys setting an example.
"As captain I want to take the challenge because I am at the front. If I am in front, only then my team will follow me and that is the same with run scoring," he said.
"If I am scoring runs then other batters will follow and get inspired, but there is always room for improvement so I want to improve my finishing and that is important as captain."
(With AFP inputs)
