Babar Azam, widely recognized as one of the finest batters globally, finds himself grappling with a challenging phase in his cricketing journey since his century against Nepal in the opening game of the Asia Cup 2023. The slump has extended across formats, raising concerns not only about his personal form but also the team’s performance.
Babar’s Recent Performance:
Since that memorable century, Babar Azam has struggled to meet the high standards he has set for himself. The Asia Cup 2023 witnessed a dip in his performance throughout, and the ODI World Cup 2023 proved to be equally disappointing for the Pakistani skipper. The team managed only three victories out of nine games, resulting in an early exit from the group stages.
Stepping Down as Captain:
Faced with these challenges, Babar Azam took the significant decision to step down as the captain in all formats. The burden of expectations and the rollercoaster of successes and failures took a toll on his mental well-being, prompting a reevaluation of his role within the team.
Test Series Down Under for Babar Azam:
The ongoing test series against Australia in Australia has further compounded Babar’s woes. In the first two games, both resulting in losses for Pakistan, Babar Azam has failed to make a substantial impact with the bat. Scores of 21, 14, 1, and 41 in four innings underscore the struggle he is currently experiencing in the longer format.
Insight from Mushtaq Ahmed:
Former Pakistan player Mushtaq Ahmed, acknowledging Babar’s outstanding career, expressed concern about the toll that recent challenges have taken on the star player. Ahmed emphasized the cultural oversight regarding the importance of mental breaks in a player’s career. He highlighted the example of Virat Kohli, who, when out of form, opted for a break and subsequently found success upon his return.
Ahmed’s Suggestion to Babar Azam:
In his candid remarks, Mushtaq Ahmed suggested that the management should have taken ownership of the situation and advised Babar Azam to take a well-deserved rest. Stressing the need for recognizing mental fatigue, Ahmed noted that across the globe, coaches provide breaks to players facing mental disturbances. He warned against sacrificing long-term achievements for short-term successes and stressed the importance of Babar taking a mental break to rejuvenate.
Here is what Mushtaq Ahmed said:
“Babar has given outstanding performances, and he is our hero. He is considered one of the top players in the world. However, he faced challenges such as losing the Asia Cup, winning the World Cup, and subsequently losing the captaincy amid rumors and difficulties.
Often in our culture, we fail to realize the need for breaks. If I were there, I would have suggested giving Babar some rest. Skip the three Test matches and focus on the upcoming series.
If nothing happens in the next Test match or one-day game, such a prominent player will suddenly decline and go down. Many times, we sacrifice big achievements for small successes. Babar needed a mental break as he was fatigued.
Across the world, we provide coaching, and when we realize a player is mentally disturbed, we give them a break of 2 or 3 matches. When Virat Kohli was out of form, he took a break, and since then, he hasn’t faced the same struggles. The management should have taken ownership and advised Babar to take a rest.”
As Babar Azam grapples with a challenging phase in his cricketing journey, Mushtaq Ahmed’s insights shed light on the crucial aspect of mental well-being in a player’s career. The call for a break to recharge and refocus is not only a plea for Babar’s benefit but also a broader acknowledgment of the significance of mental health in the demanding world of professional cricket.
A roller coaster year comes to an end with new hopes, lots of learning and better expectations from the coming year.
May the year 2024 brings joy & good fortunes for everyone.#HappyNewYear pic.twitter.com/FyNO0Unzt9
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) January 1, 2024
