Ramiz Raja blasts Babar Azam's critics, claims entire nation has problem with Pakistan star's form

Former Pakistan cricketer and cricket expert Ramiz Raja questioned Babar Azam's batting form after his low returns in the first Test against Bangladesh. Ramiz also argued that the whole nation of Pakistan is concerned with Babar Azam's form at the moment.

Babar Azam had a forgettable outing in the first Test at Rawalpindi. He was dismissed for a second-ball duck in the first innings and then got out for just 22 in the second innings of the match.

Pakistan expected a lot more from its top batter but Babar's low returns turned out to be the main reason behind the shocking defeat. This was Pakistan's first-ever Test loss to Bangladesh.

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Entire nation has a problem with Babar Azam's form - Ramiz Raja

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz Raja said that the whole of Pakistan has a problem with Babar Azam's form. Ramiz claimed that Babar Azam's huge popularity resulted in high expectations for the batter and that is the reason all the focus is on him.

"It seems entire nation doesn't have problem with anything except the form of Babar Azam. Unfortunately what happens is when you lose a match and you haven't scored runs and if you are Babar Azam, then you become a headline - How did we lose? What did he do? What was his contribution?" Ramiz said.

"And then this is the era of Social Media. Anybody can criticize and ridicule anyone, this should be discouraged as much as possible," he added.

Ramiz Raja questions Babar Azam's low-key returns in the 1st Test vs Bangladesh

The former Pakistan batter advised Babar Azam to avoid social media as much as he can. He believes that not scoring the runs is just a mental thing and it is visible in Babar's face as well. Ramiz further argued if he is in a happy space while batting.

"So what does he have to do? First, avoid social media. Second, stay in the moment. When you are not able to score runs, it becomes a mental game and you start second-guessing. So you start worrying and that worrisome look is evident on Babar's face. He is trying hard, so frustration will be there. What's important is how he is batting," Ramiz said.

"Scoring runs is one thing but is he happy with the way he is batting? The last innings he played, he was bowled off an inside-edge.

"It means your bat angles are not right, you lose your frame because you aren't spending much time on the crease. If you are playing forward, commit fully, if on the backfoot, then use the crease. Practice hook and pull shots a lot, because then you focus on the ball a lot," he added.

After his low-key returns in the first Test, Babar Azam fell six places down to the ninth spot in the ICC Test Rankings for batters.

The second and final Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin on August 30 on the same ground in Rawalpindi. While Pakistan will look to draw level the series with a win, Bangladesh will be aiming for a historic Test series win.