Rizwan Backs Babar Azam to Regain Form
Mohammad Rizwan, the experienced and steady wicket-keeper batsman of Pakistan, has shown unwavering support for his captain, Babar Azam, as the team gears up to face New Zealand in the tri-series final in Karachi on Friday. Babar, known for his consistency and technical prowess, has been under a cloud across all formats for some time now. However, the pressure is particularly palpable in ODIs, where his batting form has seen a significant dip. Since the start of the Asia Cup in August 2023, Babar’s average in 25 games has fallen to 42.90, dragging his career average down from the high 50s to the mid-50s. Excluding his solitary innings of 151 against Nepal, his average in this period drops below 38. Despite these struggles, Rizwan remains confident that Babar will turn things around, emphasizing the need to temper extreme expectations and recognize his ongoing contributions to the team.
Struggles in the Recent Series
The ongoing tri-series has not provided much respite for Babar, who was dismissed for a mere 10 runs in the first game against New Zealand. The innings was a painful watch, extending through the entire Powerplay in stark contrast to the explosive performance of Fakhar Zaman at the other end. Babar’s woes continued in the record-breaking chase of 353 against South Africa, where he started brightly but was ultimately trapped in front by Wiaan Mulder for 23. Rizwan, however, believes that Babar’s issues stem from the high standards he has set for himself. "Babar has scored so many runs for Pakistan that we expect him to score a hundred in each game," Rizwan remarked. "If we don’t judge him by those extreme expectations, you’ll find he’s still chipping in and contributing valuably for us."
Pressure and Expectations
As a captain, Rizwan acknowledges the additional pressure Babar faces due to his past performances. "I expect a lot more of him too because of all he has done in the past," Rizwan admitted. "There is obviously an additional pressure because of it and I’m sure he feels that too." Despite the visible struggles, Rizwan maintains that Babar does not exhibit clear technical deficiencies; rather, he is being tested and challenged by the current form of the opposition. "When we look at his innings in South Africa, [he is still scoring runs]. It’s not as if he has clear technical deficiencies, but he is still being tested. I am confident he’ll come out of it," Rizwan stated, highlighting his belief in Babar’s ability to adapt and overcome.
Recent Contributions and the Opening Role
Babar did manage to hit two fifties in the recent series victory in South Africa and contributed usefully in the ODI series win in Australia before that. However, his performance has been further complicated by his move to the opening position in this series—his first time batting at the top of the order in ODIs in a decade. This decision was prompted by the injury to Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique’s poor form across formats. The move was seen as a trial to gauge Babar’s suitability for the role before the Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19. Rizwan defended the decision, noting Babar’s technical solidity and his ability to handle the new ball. "When Abdullah Shafique got out early in South Africa, Babar had to deal with the new ball anyway. He was coping with the seam and swing and enabling us to attack at the end. So, we thought why not go for our most technically solid player to open, rather than throwing someone else in at the deep end," he explained.
Considering Alternatives
While Rizwan is confident in Babar’s capabilities, he is also pragmatic about the team’s needs. The injury to Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique’s decline in form created a significant disturbance in the batting lineup. "Saim Ayub was a huge all-round blow for us, including in the field because he was one of our best fielders, opened the batting, and could bowl eight or so overs. His absence created a huge disturbance," Rizwan acknowledged. When asked about the possibility of opening himself if the Babar experiment doesn’t yield the desired results, Rizwan remained open. "We have other players who can open if we need them to. If the Babar plan isn’t working, I would consider opening," he said, showcasing the team’s flexibility and readiness to adjust.
Looking Ahead to the Champions Trophy
The upcoming Champions Trophy is a crucial tournament for Pakistan, and Rizwan is keen to ensure the team is in the best possible shape. The final against New Zealand in Karachi is a significant opportunity for Babar to regain his form and confidence. Rizwan’s support and the team’s willingness to adapt and experiment reflect a balanced approach to addressing Babar’s current challenges. "We are here to support him and help him through this phase. He has been a cornerstone of our batting lineup for years, and we firmly believe he will bounce back," Rizwan concluded. The confidence displayed by the captain and the team bodes well for Babar, and fans around the world will be watching closely to see if he can indeed rediscover his touch in time for the Champions Trophy.
