Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has advised Pakistan’s struggling batting ace, Babar Azam, on a path to recapture his lost form, especially in Test cricket. Ponting, renowned for his astute cricketing insights, pointed Babar to the example of Indian maestro Virat Kohli, who successfully rebounded from a prolonged slump after a strategic break from the game.
Babar, once hailed as one of the most prolific batters in the modern era, has been grappling with a prolonged drought in Test form, averaging just 20.7 since the start of 2023. His decline in red-ball performance has triggered concerns within the Pakistani camp, leading to his exclusion from the remainder of the Test series against England, alongside teammates Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. This absence marks a pivotal moment for the Pakistani Test squad as it faces challenges without three of its stalwarts.
Despite his struggles in the longest format, Babar remains the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, holding his place in Pakistan’s white-ball squad. However, his recent outings have been less than stellar. In the first ODI against Australia following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Babar managed only 37 runs before being dismissed by leg-spinner Adam Zampa, contributing to Pakistan’s narrow two-wicket loss.
Ponting, analyzing Babar’s predicament, highlighted the need for Pakistan’s premier batsman to regain form. He underscored the challenge for the Pakistan team, emphasizing that “the biggest challenge is how they get Babar back into their side.” Ponting drew a parallel between Babar’s struggles and Kohli’s own three-year drought without a century. Kohli, who took a strategic break in 2022, returned with renewed vigor, delivering a standout performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later that year. His match-winning innings against Pakistan became a testament to his resilience and revitalization.
In his advice to Babar, Ponting suggested a similar approach: “Maybe Babar needs to get away for a while and stop trying too hard. Lock the kit bag away for a while, think about something else, and then hopefully come back recharged.” Ponting, who knows the pressures of high expectations, added that Babar’s potential is among the best globally, and a recharge could unlock a resurgence in his career.
As the cricket world watches keenly, Ponting’s advice may serve as a crucial turning point for Babar. With his exceptional talent and an illustrious track record, a comeback could restore him to his peak, securing his place among cricket’s elite.
