USA vs PAK: 'I can't become Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman' - Babar Azam's bold statement amid strike rate criticism

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam opened up about the criticism that he has been facing for his strike rate in the T20Is. The right-hander stated that he wants to improve that but it cannot be done overnight and he cannot be Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has been one of the best batters to have played for the team. He has been the backbone of the team in all three formats of the games as his ability to score runs consistently puts him on the same page with many greats.

Babar Azam has been sensational with the bat over the last few years. But one of the things that has been making the headlines is his strike rate in the shortest format for the game. The Pakistan captain is often in the news because of that as many believe he takes time to get going.

Babar Azam has a strike rate of 130 in T20Is and the batter has faced a lot of criticism for this. Despite him scoring runs consistently for the team, there were even calls related to his omission from the team in the shortest format of the game.

Babar Azam, however, believes that his strike rate can be improved and he knows where he is struggling. The Pakistan captain stressed the fact that he plays according to the situation and claimed that he takes a bit of time to get going. Speaking to the PCB podcast, he stated:

“I believe it can be improved. I know where I am struggling. You can't be satisfied with any figure, It's a constant effort of honing and polishing your skills. There's usually a lot of debate over my strike rate but one has to see what the situation demands. You can't keep on playing with the same strike rate too as you might struggle.

“If you've played with a strike-rate of 150, you might not be able to replicate that in the next match. You might start slowly but then take off suddenly and accelerate. It depends on your form, how you're feeling that day, and on the conditions. The general opinion is that whatever the wicket is like, the strike rate must be high. I play a bit differently, I take a little time to get the game, going.”

I can't start hitting sixes from the get-go, I can't be a Saim Ayub or a Fakhar Zaman - Babar Azam

Babar Azam further added that he plays his own game and can’t hit sixes right from the ball 1 like some of his teammates do. He claimed that even with his stroke play, he maintains a strike rate of 150 and is putting in efforts to gradually increase his hitting ability. He added:

“I can't start hitting sixes from the get-go, I can't be a Saim Ayub or a Fakhar Zaman for that matter. As far as my performance is concerned, I am aware of how I can improve and enhance my game about what shots to develop, and what my target is in the first six overs. When I play, I also manage to touch the strike rate of 150 without hitting a lot of sixes or going over the top.

“I stick to my cricketing shots, and apply the basics, the batting strengths rely on. I can't say that I'll start hitting sixes from tomorrow. But I know how I can bring improvement to my game. For instance, my strike rate was 130 but then I steadily increased it to 135-140. From here, I will figure out how to take it higher, and these things depend on several factors.”

Babar Azam will be captaining the Pakistan team in the T20 World Cup 2024. They will open their campaign against the USA on June 6.