‘One Thing That Stops Him’: Ex-Pak Captain Explains Why Babar isn’t Named Alongside Kohli, ABD

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has come down heavily on Babar Azam, saying the opener is yet to prove his mettle as a match-winner. Speaking to a local news channel, Afridi acknowledged the fact that Babar is currently one of the best cricketers in the world while also taking a dig at his finishing ability.

According to him, if the Pakistan captain can acquire the skills, he can be named with the “favourites”. Virat Kohli And AB de Villiers.”

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“There is no doubt that Babar Azam is the number one player in the world, he is our captain and the pride of Pakistan. But the one thing that stops him from being named alongside AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli is finishing the game,” Afridi explained.

Owing to his exceptional form in the ODI format, Babar Azam has added several accolades to his name in recent times. He is currently the top batsman in the ICC Men’s ODI Players Rankings. The 28-year-old has also bagged the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for being named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. He was also named captain of the 2022 ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year.

Even though his composure and skill have saved the Pakistan team on several occasions, he has faced criticism for his lack of aggression. Babar, who has staggering numbers in ODIs, has failed to match the pace and urgency of the shortest format. However, under his captaincy, Pakistan has achieved significant heights in the recent major T20I tournaments.

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The Babar-led side had reached the knockout stage of the last two T20s World Cup, finishing as the runner-up of the latest edition.

Babar Azam is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League as the captain of Peshawar Zalmi. The Babar-led side have managed to win just two out of their five matches in the tournament so far and are placed fifth in the table with 4 points.

But, the Peshawar skipper has played some commendable innings. Having played all five matches, Babar has scored 178 runs in this year’s PSL so far. He will take the field in Peshawar’s next match against Karachi Kings on Wednesday (March 1).

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