When we talk about the modern day greats of cricket, one name that shines brightly is Babar Azam. His journey from the streets of Lahore to becoming the captain of the national team is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
From a young age, he showed a natural talent for cricket. He started his journey by playing tape-ball cricket and later joined a cricket academy where he polished his batting skills. His dedication and hard work earned him a place in Pakistan’s Under-19 team, where he impressed with his performance in ICC U-19 World Cups.
Rise in International Cricket
Within a short time, he became one of Pakistan’s most dependable batsmen across formats. His ability to anchor the innings while also scoring at a brisk rate made him a complete modern day batsman.
In Test cricket, Babar has displayed the patience and technique needed for the longest format, while in T20Is, he has shown his flair and ability to dominate bowlers worldwide.
Captaincy and Leadership
In 2020, Babar Azam was handed the captaincy of Pakistan’s T20 team, and later he took charge in ODIs and Tests as well. Under his leadership, Pakistan achieved memorable victories, including the historic win over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Babar played a captain’s knock.
He also leads Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where his batting performances make him one of the most popular and consistent players of the tournament.
Records and Achievements
Among the fastest batsmen to score 1,000 runs in T20Is.
Holds numerous centuries in ODIs and Tests against top cricketing nations.
Ranked among the top three batsmen in ICC ODI and T20I rankings.
Playing Style
Babar is often compared with legends like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root due to his consistency. Unlike power hitters, his game is based on timing, placement, and elegance, making him one of the most stylish batsmen in the world.
Conclusion
Babar Azam is more than just a cricketer; he is a symbol of hope and pride for millions of cricket fans in Pakistan and around the world. With age on his side, he is set to achieve even greater heights and cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game.
