Virender Sehwag opens up about Babar Azam’s form slump in conversation with Shoaib Akhtar | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Former India opener Virender Sehwag has come up with a piece of advice to struggling Pakistan batter Babar Azam on how to regain his lost form.
In a discussion on Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel, Sehwag suggested that Babar’s difficulties stem from mental hurdles. He further emphasized that Babar should concentrate on domestic cricket to work through these challenges.
“Babar Azam should play domestic cricket now.He should work on his fitness, spend some time with family, then come back to international cricket as a physically fitter and mentally stronger player.”
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“With expectations from Babar decreasing and his resignation from captaincy, it seems he has been more impacted mentally than in terms of technique. He needs to stay mentally strong. He’s a talented player, and players like him tend to bounce back quickly,” he said.
Babar has faced challenges with his form since early 2023, especially in Test matches, where he has failed to score a half-century in his last 18 innings. Since the beginning of 2023, he has averaged just below 21 across nine Test matches.
He was also rested for the second and third Tests against England.
“Babar was willing to play but the selection committee thought it was the best time to give him a rest,” assistant coach Azhar Mahmood told reporters.
“Babar is our No. 1 player. There’s no question about his technique and ability.”
