Rawalpindi: Pakistan’s star cricketer Babar Azam is currently facing a tough time both on and off the field. Following a crushing defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match at Rawalpindi, the spotlight is squarely on Babar, whose form has been under scrutiny for quite some time now. As Pakistan prepares for the second Test match, starting on August 30, Babar’s ongoing struggles with the bat have left fans and critics questioning his ability to lead the team out of its current slump.
Babar, who has been regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest batsmen, has been battling a prolonged rough patch. His recent performances have been far from his best, and this has not gone unnoticed. In the first Test against Bangladesh, Babar failed to make a significant impact, contributing to Pakistan’s humiliating loss. The defeat has not only tarnished the team’s reputation but has also intensified the pressure on Babar to deliver in the upcoming match.
Practice Session Tensions
The pressure on Babar Azam is clearly mounting, and it was evident during a recent practice session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. With just days to go before the second Test, Babar was seen practicing in the nets, but things didn’t go as planned. Struggling to find his rhythm, Babar appeared frustrated and visibly upset with his performance. At one point, after edging a delivery from a net bowler, Babar’s frustration boiled over, leading him to angrily smash the ball back towards the bowler. This incident, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, further highlighting the mounting pressure on the star batsman.
This isn’t the first time Babar’s frustration has come to the fore. Before the first Test, during another practice session, he was bowled by a net bowler, prompting him to kick the stumps in anger. Unfortunately, this frustration carried over into the match, where Babar was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and managed only 22 runs in the second. His inability to perform in crucial moments has been a significant concern for both him and the team.
Extended Struggles
Babar’s dip in form isn’t a recent development; it’s been a persistent issue over the past year and a half. During this period, he has failed to score even a half-century, a far cry from the standards he has set in the past. In his last 14 Test innings, Babar has accumulated just 279 runs, with his highest score being a mere 41 runs. This slump in form has been a source of immense frustration for the batsman, who is known for his consistency and ability to anchor Pakistan’s innings.
As the second Test approaches, the Pakistani team is desperate for a turnaround, and much of the responsibility rests on Babar’s shoulders. The team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the match, but the pressure on Babar to perform is undeniable. His struggles in the nets are a reflection of the mental and emotional toll that his poor form has taken on him.
The upcoming match in Rawalpindi presents an opportunity for Babar to silence his critics and regain his confidence. However, with the weight of expectations bearing down on him, it remains to be seen whether he can overcome his current challenges and lead Pakistan to victory. As fans eagerly await the second Test, all eyes will be on Babar Azam, hoping that the star batsman can rediscover his form and bring glory back to Pakistan cricket.
