Babar Azam, Pakistan’s cricket captain, highlighted the profound influence of contemporary icons such as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root on his career trajectory. Speaking about the advantages of participating in global franchise leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Babar emphasized how interactions with renowned international players during these tournaments have been invaluable for young Pakistani cricketers. He noted that these experienced players often share their wealth of knowledge and insights, significantly aiding in the development and learning process of the emerging talents.
Moreover, Babar shared that facing Kohli, Williamson, and Root in competitive matches has provided him with crucial learning experiences. These encounters have offered him insights into their techniques, strategies, and approaches to the game, which he finds beneficial in refining his own skills and understanding of cricket at the highest level.
In a recent conversation with AB de Villiers on YouTube, Babar elaborated on the lessons learned from these modern-day legends, underscoring their impact on shaping his approach to the sport. He highlighted the importance of studying and adapting elements from their playing styles to enhance his own performance and leadership role within the Pakistan Cricket Team.
I talk a lot to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root: Babar Azam
During intense India-Pakistan matches, Babar Azam has often been spotted engaged in cordial discussions with the dynamic right-hander Virat Kohli, showcasing a mutual respect despite the longstanding rivalry between their nations. Both players openly express their admiration for each other on social media and during press conferences, highlighting their amicable relationship.
Babar has also faced Kane Williamson and Joe Root in numerous matches, providing him invaluable opportunities to glean insights and receive valuable advice on batting techniques from these seasoned cricketers. He revealed that he maintains frequent conversations with Kohli, Williamson, and Root, emphasizing their willingness to offer guidance and support whenever needed.
The Pakistan captain acknowledged the significance of these interactions in honing his batting skills, emphasizing that he consults with them regularly to refine his technique. Babar underscored that the lessons learned from Kohli, Root, and Williamson have been instrumental in his development as a batsman, highlighting their generosity in sharing their knowledge and experience.
Overall, Babar Azam’s exchanges with these cricketing stalwarts underscore a collaborative spirit among players from different nations, where learning and growth transcend traditional rivalries on the field.
Babar Azam said on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel: “I talk a lot to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. They are always ready to give you advice, which helps you a lot. I have learned a lot from these players.”
I don’t come from a rich family: Babar Azam
Meanwhile, Babar reflected on his early struggles before joining the Pakistan national cricket team. He revealed that his family didn’t have the money, but they supported him and said that their support was unwavering and instrumental in his journey.
He signed off by saying, “I don’t come from a rich family, and we didn’t have money all the time. But my parents supported me a lot.”
Following their early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan’s cricket team is preparing for their upcoming challenge: a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Scheduled to commence on August 21, this series marks Pakistan’s return to international cricket after their disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan, known as the Men in Green, missed out on advancing to the Super-8 stage of the tournament, which concluded with India clinching the title. The team is now eager to rejuvenate themselves with a focus on Test cricket as they gear up to face Bangladesh. This series holds significant importance as it allows Pakistan to regroup and rebuild momentum ahead of their critical tours of Australia and South Africa.
For Babar Azam and his teammates, the Test series against Bangladesh represents an opportunity to reset and reassess their strategies in the longer format of the game. It serves as a crucial platform for them to showcase their skills and prepare effectively before embarking on challenging overseas tours. The team is determined to make a strong comeback and demonstrate their capabilities following their recent setback in T20 cricket.
