Babar Azam, celebrated for his elegant stroke play and signature cover drive, is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most prolific batters in modern cricket. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the sport, with renowned cricketers like Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal among his relatives, Babar’s passion for the game was ingrained from a young age. His journey from domestic cricket to the international arena is a testament to his immense talent and unwavering determination.
Domestic Career
Babar’s professional cricketing journey began in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, where he first represented Zarai Taraqiati Bank during the 2011–2012 season as a promising young player. He later joined the Islamabad Leopards for the 2012–2013 season, refining his skills further. His rise continued in the 2014–2015 season when he became part of the State Bank of Pakistan cricket team, solidifying his reputation as a future star of Pakistan cricket.
International Career
Babar Azam made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Pakistan on May 31, 2015, marking the beginning of an illustrious international career. His Test debut followed on October 13, 2016, and he made his mark in T20 Internationals on September 7, 2016. From the outset, his performances were nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing a blend of composure, technique, and class that quickly cemented his place as a mainstay in Pakistan’s batting lineup. His consistency across formats drew comparisons with some of the greatest batters in the world, making him the backbone of Pakistan’s batting order.
Stats Before T20 World Cup 2022:
Prior to the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Babar Azam had already established himself as one of the top batsmen in international cricket. His performances in all formats highlighted his reliability, technical skill, and ability to anchor innings.
- In Test cricket, he had participated in 42 matches, scoring 3,122 runs in 75 innings with an impressive average of 47.30. His record in red-ball cricket featured seven centuries and 23 half-centuries, with a personal best of 196.
- In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Babar had played 92 matches, accumulating 4,664 runs in 90 innings at an exceptional average of 59.79. He had already secured 17 centuries and 22 half-centuries, with a highest score of 158. His skill in steering the innings and scoring under pressure made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the 50-over format.
- Babar’s prowess also shone in T20 Internationals, where he had appeared in 92 matches, gathering 3,231 runs in 87 innings at an average of 43.66. His T20I statistics included two centuries and 29 half-centuries, with a highest score of 122. His consistent performance in the shortest format, coupled with his graceful stroke play, made him an essential asset for Pakistan as they approached the final of 2022 T20 World Cup.
Prior to the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Babar Azam had established himself as one of the top batsmen in international cricket, excelling across all formats with remarkable consistency, technical skill, and the ability to anchor innings.
Stats After T20 World cup 2022:
Following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in 2022, he encountered difficulties in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). Below is an analysis of his performance statistics subsequent to the World Cup.
- In Test cricket, he participated in 17 matches, during which he amassed a total of 1,113 runs at an average of 33.72. Throughout this period, he recorded 2 centuries and 6 half-centuries, with his highest score reaching 161 runs.
- In the One Day Internationals, he took part in 36 matches, accumulating 1,442 runs at an average of 45.06. His performance in ODIs post-World Cup includes 2 centuries and 12 half-centuries, with a highest score of 151 runs.
- In the domain of T20 Internationals, he competed in 29 matches, gathering a total of 868 runs at an average of 34.72. His T20I statistics also include 1 century and 6 half-centuries, with his highest score recorded at 101 not out.
Batting Technique
He possesses a distinctive batting technique characterized by a seemingly ordinary stance that involves a slight pressure on the front foot. He relies heavily on a quick shuffle that occurs just prior to the bowler’s delivery. This rapid movement inward positions his front foot to face the mid-off region, while his back foot aligns towards the cover-point area. As a result, the shuffle effectively brings him to the line of the middle stump, allowing his bat to remain accessible regardless of the delivery’s line. Subsequently, he permits the ball to approach him before executing his shot, which contributes to the aesthetic quality of his play.
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Why Babar Azam is struggling?
The distinction between Babar Azam’s current performance and his earlier playing style is evident in his approach to engaging with the ball. Previously, he employed a more cautious technique, which resulted in a higher incidence of dot balls due to his tendency to delay his response. In light of the evolving demands of contemporary cricket, he has modified his stance to interact with the ball more proactively, aiming to play it earlier and improve his strike rate.
This adjustment in technique, while aimed at enhancement, has inadvertently introduced certain vulnerabilities. Specifically, his forward movement toward the ball has at times compromised his balance, thereby making it more difficult for him to manage deliveries directed at the stumps. This alteration in approach represents one of the factors contributing to his recent challenges with inswinging deliveries.
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How to address this problem
To tackle this challenge, he needs to embrace a more traditional approach. Utilizing his back foot more effectively could make a significant difference in his game. It’s crucial that both the coaches and the PCB rally behind him, providing him with the support he needs to bridge this gap. After all, he’s not just a player; he’s a vital asset and the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. With the right opportunities, he can truly shine.
Babar Azam, motivated by the influence of his family, has progressed from domestic cricket to establish himself as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. Renowned for his refined technique, recent modifications to his stance have adversely affected his balance, rendering him susceptible to inswinging deliveries. To restore his optimal performance, it is imperative that he enhances his footwork and receives robust support from both his coaching staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
