Shan Masood Backs Babar Azam to Make a Strong Comeback After Test Squad Omission
Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood has expressed strong support for Babar Azam, who recently faced exclusion from the Pakistan Test squad following a rough patch in his form. Speaking on BBC’s Stumped program, Masood emphasized that a break from the Test arena could serve as a rejuvenating period for Babar, allowing him to return with renewed focus and strength.
Babar’s Potential and Resilience
Masood praised Babar as “one of the best batsmen in the world” and voiced confidence that the star batter would emerge stronger. Babar has not scored a half-century in his last 18 Test innings, dating back to late 2022, which led to his temporary exclusion. With Pakistan’s next Test series in South Africa, a team against whom Babar has enjoyed notable successes, Masood believes Babar will come back in top form.
White-Ball Future for Babar
The Pakistan Cricket Board has been clear that Babar remains integral to Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. Following Pakistan’s challenging World Cup campaign, he will rejoin the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, demonstrating the board’s trust in his white-ball leadership.
Team-First Approach to Leadership
Masood also reflected on his evolving role with the new selection committee, emphasizing a team-centered approach rather than focusing on individual accolades. He acknowledged that leadership changes and strategic adaptations have been crucial in guiding Pakistan to their recent series win against England. Masood credited the collaborative effort of the selection committee, new coaching staff, and players for recent successes, saying, “At the end of the day, it’s about Pakistan cricket.”
Addressing Viral Interview with Ramiz Raja
In a lighter note, Masood addressed the viral clip from his post-match interview with Ramiz Raja, where an awkward exchange took place. Despite the clip’s popularity and ensuing criticism of Raja, Masood confirmed there were “no hard feelings,” showing his openness to constructive feedback and dedication to representing Pakistan cricket with integrity.
Reference from:- https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sometimes-people-need-a-break-masood-backs-babar-to-make-strong-comeback-1458097