Pakistan recently claimed the tri-series trophy by chasing down a demanding target against Sri Lanka, yet Babar Azam once again found himself struggling to deliver a substantial performance. The batter remained unable to craft a notable score throughout the tournament. Taking note of this extended slump, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf pointed out that participating merely in domestic first-class cricket will not be sufficient to resolve the underlying technical flaws troubling the batter.
Guidance From Foreign Specialists Recommended
Mohammad Yousuf believes Babar Azam must travel to countries like Australia or South Africa to consult seasoned batting specialists. Emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, Yousuf explained that dedicating complete attention toward resolving fundamental technical glitches will offer real progress. Expressing his thoughts on X, he mentioned that working under qualified coaches overseas could provide the exact adjustments the batter currently requires.
Concerns Over Confidence in Domestic Fixtures
To rebuild his batting rhythm, Babar Azam has announced plans to compete in domestic first-class cricket starting 3 November. However, Yousuf expressed reservations regarding this immediate return to competitive four-day matches. In his view, stepping into domestic fixtures without first rectifying mechanical issues could backfire. Yousuf warned that repeated failures at the domestic level risk eroding the player's confidence and threatening his career, suggesting instead that Pakistan send him to a dedicated academy located in Australia or England.
Lean Run Across Recent Years
Statistical evidence underscores the prolonged rough patch, as Babar Azam has registered just a single century in One-Day Internationals over the past three years. Despite these returns, he is scheduled to captain Pakistan during the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka commencing on 9 November. Yousuf highlighted that he had raised similar observations four years ago without receiving attention, adding that Pakistan's premier batter can still reclaim peak form provided the right guidance and focused work are put in place.
