Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has been struggling for runs lately. His extended lean patch has prompted many fans, former greats, and experts of the game to question his place in the side.
Babar endured a tough time during the recently held Test series against Bangladesh, which Pakistan lost 2-0 in their home turf.
The right-hander bagged a golden duck in the first innings of the opening Test in Rawalpindi followed by a laboured 22 off 50 balls. He couldn’t regain his form in the second Test as well, returning with scores of 31 and 11 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Babar hasn’t been able to cross the 50-run mark in his last 16 Test innings. No wonder, he is drawing flak from all quarters.
Amid the scrutiny, former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has urged Babar Azam to take inspiration from Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli.
"Babar Azam was made the captain because he was the best player at the time. I was there when the decision was made that the team’s best player should be the captain,” Younis said.
“Our players tend to talk more than they perform. If our top players deliver on the field, the results will be clear to everyone."
Younis asked the Pakistani players to use social media wisely as he believes the true measure of a cricketer’s value lies in their performance.
"There are high expectations from Babar. Players should use social media wisely, but their real answers should come through their performances with the bat and ball. He (Babar) needs to focus on his fitness and work ethic because opportunities like these don't come around often," Younis remarked.
"He has achieved a lot at such a young age, but what he needs to know what he wants to achieve in the future. Captaincy is a small thing, performance is what matters," he added.
Younis Khan continued, drawing a parallel with Kohli: "Look at Virat Kohli. He chose to step down from captaincy on his own terms, and now he’s breaking records worldwide. This shows that playing for the country should be the priority. If there’s any energy left, then play for yourself."
Pakistan are going to face a tough test against a powerful England team next month. The Three Lions had defeated Pakistan 3-0 the last time they visited for a Test series in 2022.
Pakistan will hope that their top batter Babar returns to form soon, which will boost their chances against England.
