Babar Azam Has To Become A Leader Like Virat Kohli, Says Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif feels that apart from just being the captain of the side, Babar Azam has to become a leader as well like his Indian counterpart, Virat Kohli.

The Pakistan team is currently in New Zealand for 3 T20Is, and a 2-match Test series. Ahead of the tour, Babar Azam was appointed as the Test captain of the team replacing Azhar Ali. The right-hander was already the limited-overs skipper since he replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed after Pakistan’s exit from the league stage in the World Cup.

His first assignment as an all-format leader would be to take on Kane Williamson’s New Zealand. The T20I series commences from 18th December in Auckland.

Virat Kohli is respected on and off the field: Rashid Latif

While speaking on a YouTube channel, Rashid Latif opined that Babar is slowly transforming from just a captain to a leader in the Pakistan team. He says that the Pakistani skipper should look up to Indian captain, Virat Kohli; the way Kohli garners respect on and off the field from everyone.

“I think Babar has to become a leader like Virat rather than just being a captain of the team. Virat has developed into a leader and in cricket and sports, when you are made the captain, you have to become a leader and by that, I mean you have to be respected on and off the field. You have to stand up for your players and you have to take the hard and out of box decisions,” Rashid Latif said.

The 52-year-old Rashid Latif pointed out that Kohli’s game as a batsman has also levelled up since he became India captain. He also believes that the Indian skipper has his say in almost all matters, especially the team selections.

Latif reckons that Azam is also on the same track where he will be heard on the selection matters against New Zealand. The former batsman underlines Babar’s batting confidence will aid him in the captaincy role.

“You look at Virat today and he is a complete leader and his own stature as a batsman has also helped a lot. But you can see in the attitude of the Indian team and their selection, Virat has his say in everything.

“I think Babar is also on the right path and I felt he had his input in the squad selected for the New Zealand tour. I think Babar because of his exceptional batting talents has the makings of a good leader,” Rashid Latif added.

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