Pakistan batter Babar Azam has responded to former cricketer Mohammad Yousuf’s suggestion that he should seek specialised coaching overseas to work on his technical shortcomings. Babar said he was open to learning from Yousuf and would welcome his guidance if the former batter contacted him.
Yousuf recently advised Babar to train at a cricket academy in England or Australia amid concerns over his form and technique. The former Pakistan batter also suggested that Babar should stay away from first-class cricket until he addresses the issues in his game, warning that continued struggles at the domestic level could affect his confidence and career.
“I don’t think Babar Azam should be playing first-class cricket until he fixes his technical issues through specialised coaching. Struggling in domestic cricket could further harm his confidence and career,” Yousuf wrote on X.
“Send him to an academy in England or Australia. He is still Pakistan’s top player, and with the right guidance and a little effort, he can return to his best. I said this four years ago, and nobody listened. Please listen now,” he added.
Babar addressed Yousuf’s comments during the pre-series press conference ahead of Pakistan’s first Test against Sri Lanka. The right-handed batter acknowledged that learning was an ongoing process and spoke highly of the former Pakistan batter, whom he considers one of the country’s greatest players.
“As you said, the process of learning never ends. I haven’t contacted him yet. I believe he has reached out to people on social media, but not to me. If he contacts me, God willing, I will learn from him. He is a legend and Pakistan’s greatest batter,” Babar was quoted as saying by Geo Super.
Babar Azam opens up on his recent dismissals
Babar was also asked about his recent dismissals and the technical concerns surrounding his batting. He explained that there could be different reasons behind a batter getting out and stressed that dismissals were an unavoidable part of cricket.
Babar Azam slams bat after 42-run dismissal in QeA Trophy
“You can get out at any time and in different ways. It is not necessary that you will always get out in the same pattern or in the same manner. There can be different reasons, but that is part of the game,” he stated.
The Pakistan batter further said that he takes responsibility whenever he loses his wicket rather than blaming external factors. He acknowledged that every player has a different perspective on the game and how to approach their shortcomings.
“In my case, whenever I get out, I consider it my fault. It is my responsibility and my shortcomings. Everyone has their own perspective and way of thinking,” he added.
