Captain backs youthful squad to make an impact as team looks to build for next WTC cycle
KARACHI:
Pakistan captain Babar Azam hopes his side can carry the confidence and positive atmosphere from their recent ODI tri-series triumph into the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Pakistan have opted for a youthful squad, with almost eight new faces in the side as they look to move on from a disappointing run in the current World Test Championship cycle and lay the foundations for the next one.
Babar said the team had taken a different approach following their tour of England, combining the experience of senior players with the energy and talent of younger cricketers.
“We have taken a different step and brought in different players. We are trying to find the right combination of senior and junior players so that we can give youngsters the opportunity to express themselves and perform,” Babar told a pre-match news conference on Sunday.
“We are almost out of this cycle and are looking forward to the next Test Championship cycle and preparing for it. InshaAllah, you will see a different team.”
The skipper believes the confidence gained from winning the ODI tri-series can provide a timely boost in the longer format, despite the different demands of Test cricket.
“Whenever you win a series or a match, you definitely gain confidence. As a team and as individual players, you benefit from it. We will bring that same vibe into the Test match and will try to continue it,” he said.
“Whenever a young team comes together, it brings a different energy. I think we have that in this team, and you will see that vibe.”
Pakistan have selected several newcomers on the basis of their performances in first-class cricket, and Babar said his responsibility as captain was to help them settle into international cricket and perform as a unit.
“There are almost eight new players, and all of them are young talents. We have selected the team based on their performances in first-class cricket,” he said.
“The selectors and coach have given us a team. My job is to get them to perform, make sure they take good decisions on the field and give their best.”
Babar added that he would focus on assigning clear roles to his players, using his bowlers effectively and helping younger members of the squad handle pressure.
“As a senior player, I try to guide them and share my experience. In difficult situations, when there is pressure, you can call them over and give them good advice. That is our job. We have to give them confidence,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of learning from Pakistan’s recent setbacks rather than dwelling on past results.
“We will not talk about the past. We will talk about what we can learn from it, what we can bring into the future and what message we can give the young players. Our message is very clear and our approach is positive,” Babar said.
Asked about his own form and criticism from former cricketers, Babar maintained that he remained focused on improving his game through practice and discussions with his coaches.
“My thinking is always positive. As a player, particularly as a senior player, you always try to do your best in every match. Everyone has a different opinion,” he said.
“If you sit down and do not practise, how will you improve? I try to improve as much as I can. You learn from your mistakes and understand where you are going wrong. No player is perfect.”
Babar said he believed regular practice and self-analysis were essential to becoming a better cricketer.
“I believe the more I play, the better I get. I always try to figure out what I can do better, why I am making mistakes and how I can improve,” he added.
Babar also spoke about team selection and his role as a skipper in the process.
“When we returned from England, everyone saw the situation. The coach and selectors selected the team, and my job is to get the players to perform and fight for the team. The rest is not in my hands. Whatever is in my hands, I will do,” he said.
Babar described Sri Lanka series as important, both for the team and for his own ambitions and said he remained determined to give his best in every match.
“Every series, every match and every tournament is important to me, whether as a player or as captain. I try to give 100 per cent in every match, perform and win games. The fans have high expectations, and I prepare accordingly. The results are in God’s hands,” he said.
He also welcomed the prospect of learning from former Pakistan batting great Mohammad Yousuf, saying he had not been in direct contact with him but would welcome an opportunity to seek his advice.
“I don’t have contact with him. I think he contacted me on social media, but not directly. If he contacts me, InshaAllah, I will learn from him. He is a legend and one of Pakistan’s best batsmen,” Babar said.
The captain added that dismissals did not necessarily follow a recurring pattern and that he preferred to take responsibility for his own shortcomings.
“Sometimes there are different ways of getting out. It is part of the game. Whenever I get out, I believe it is my fault, my mistake or my weakness. Everyone has their own way of thinking,” he said.
