Rawalpindi – Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam, often hailed as the backbone of his team, is facing severe criticism after a disappointing performance in the Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh. The star batsman, who has been a consistent performer for Pakistan over the past decade, found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons as his team suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat.
Babar Azam’s Struggles Continue
Babar Azam has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top batsmen, with his impressive records across all three formats of the game. However, his recent performances, particularly in Test cricket, have left much to be desired. In the Rawalpindi Test, Babar’s inability to perform when his team needed him the most has sparked a wave of criticism from fans and former players alike.
During the match, Babar failed to score in the first innings, getting out for a duck. His second innings performance was slightly better, but scoring just 22 runs did little to change the outcome of the match. This string of underwhelming performances has raised questions about his ability to lead the team, especially during critical moments.
Basit Ali’s Sharp Criticism
One of the most vocal critics of Babar’s recent form has been former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali. Known for his candid remarks, Basit did not hold back in his assessment of Babar’s performance. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Basit suggested that Babar should reconsider his approach to practice, particularly his time spent in the nets.
Basit Ali mocked Babar by saying, “He should stop batting in the nets.” According to Basit, Babar is exhausting his energy in practice sessions, which leaves him unable to perform during the actual match. He quipped that Babar seems to score all his runs in the nets, leaving little for the game itself.
Basit further elaborated on his point by criticizing Babar’s extensive time spent in the nets, arguing that the star batsman is spending more time practicing than actually playing on the pitch. He recommended that Babar focus more on match conditions rather than overtraining in the nets, suggesting lighter practice sessions like skipping and light batting practice, known as “knocking,” to maintain form without wearing himself out.
Pakistan’s Crushing Defeat
The Rawalpindi Test will be remembered not just for Babar’s struggles but also for the overall poor performance of the Pakistani team. Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory over Pakistan, a historic moment for their cricket team, while Pakistan faced the embarrassment of a 10-wicket loss on home soil.
The Pakistani batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with most of the players failing to put up a fight. Babar’s failure was particularly glaring given his status as the team’s most experienced and dependable batsman. His inability to contribute significantly with the bat added to the team’s woes and was a key factor in their defeat.
A Long Dry Spell
Babar Azam’s lackluster performance in the Rawalpindi Test is part of a longer dry spell in Test cricket. Despite his success in ODIs and T20s, Babar has struggled to make an impact in Test matches over the past year and a half. He has not managed to score a half-century in Test cricket during this period, a worrying sign for both the player and the team as they face upcoming challenges.
The Rawalpindi Test exposed not only the weaknesses in Pakistan’s batting lineup but also the pressure Babar Azam faces as the team’s captain and premier batsman. As the leader, Babar is expected to step up in crucial moments, but his recent form has led to growing concerns about his ability to carry the team forward.
Looking Ahead
With the Pakistan cricket team facing a series of tough matches in the coming months, the spotlight will continue to shine on Babar Azam. His ability to bounce back from this slump will be critical not only for his career but also for Pakistan’s chances in future competitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Babar can rediscover his form and silence his critics.
The pressure is on for Babar Azam to prove that he can be the leader Pakistan needs, both on and off the field. Whether he can rise to the occasion or continue to falter remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the eyes of the cricketing world are firmly fixed on him.
