"Babar Azam is the best batsman in the world" : Imad Wasim

[MenInG]

Considered a key all-rounder in the shorter-formats for Pakistan, Imad Wasim has established himself as an integral part of the Limited-Overs sides since his international debut in 2015. With 45 wickets to his name in T20Is and an excellent economy-rate of 6.15, Imad is very likely to play a vital role in Pakistan's ICC T20 World Cup campaign in 2021.

In an interview with PakPassion.net, Imad spoke about his recent experience in the bio-secure environment and why he feels Pakistan could have won the T20I series against England, the importance of a potential tour of Pakistan by England, his experience of playing under the captaincy of Babar Azam and Pakistan's chances of winning next year's ICC T20 World Cup.

​

PakPassion.net: How was the experience of being in a bio-secure bubble for over two months in England?

Imad Wasim: Well I never for a minute expected that I would come to England and stay in a bio-secure bubble for nearly 2 and a half months. It was very different, strange at times and very unusual compared to normal tours.


PakPassion.net: Did it feel like a long two and a half months and how did you keep yourself motivated and entertained during the tour?

Imad Wasim: To be honest, it felt like we spent a very long time in this tough bio-secure environment. There were of course a lot of practice sessions and I felt that we bonded as a group really well and we probably got the chance to talk to each other more than we would normally on a tour. As far as non-cricket activities are concerned, rather than going to our own rooms and sitting on our own which would have been soul-destroying, we spent a lot of time as a group sitting in the team rooms, we played a lot of FIFA, played cards and table-tennis.


PakPassion.net: It must have felt really strange being out there on the field on match days, especially without any crowds or atmosphere to look forward to?

Imad Wasim: We obviously missed the atmosphere and the great support we always get from our fans in England, but at the same time it was important that in these extraordinary times, the safety protocols were followed and no risks were taken. It felt strange and difficult, but we had to be professional about it, and I hope that things improve, and we don’t have to play much more cricket in empty stadia in future.


PakPassion.net: Was 1-1 result a fair outcome in the Twenty20 series against England?

Imad Wasim: I feel that had the first match of the series been completed, there would have been a different outcome and I’m pretty sure that we would have come away with a 2-1 victory in this series. Whilst to others the first match appeared to be in the balance when it ended, I felt that it was tilted towards us and I think we would have wrapped up a victory in that game if the weather had not intervened.


PakPassion.net: Tom Banton looked quite impressive during the Twenty20 series against England. He looks a fine prospect, doesn’t he?

Imad Wasim: Tom Banton’s a very fine player and everyone is getting to know that now. He played very well in the Big Bash League and various other Twenty20 leagues and his reputation is growing. He’s one of a number of very fine future batting prospects for England who are a seriously good white ball team.


PakPassion.net: You’re playing for Nottinghamshire once again in the Twenty20 Blast. What are your aims in this competition?

Imad Wasim: I prefer to stick with the same Twenty20 franchises as I feel comfortable in that environment and feel relaxed as I know the people around me. It wasn’t a difficult decision when Nottinghamshire wanted to sign me up again. They’re a great bunch of guys, it’s a good dressing-room to be in and the plan has to be to win the Twenty20 Blast this year.


PakPassion.net: There have been some positive messages regarding a tour of England by Pakistan possibly in 2022. From your perspective what would it mean to see England tour Pakistan?

Imad Wasim: International cricket has been revived and is now back for good in Pakistan, which is fantastic news for the players, the Pakistan Cricket Board and for fans. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been played entirely in Pakistan this year very successfully, and some of the English players played in Pakistan during the PSL. So, I see no reason at all why England cannot tour Pakistan. They are a big team, one of the world’s strongest teams in all formats and are very entertaining too. I am certain that the crowds who have been starved of international cricket in Pakistan in recent times will love to see them playing in local stadiums. I am hopeful that the tour will happen and we are really looking forward to welcoming them to Pakistan, hosting them and to provide them with great facilities to make it a memorable tour for all.


PakPassion.net: You have over the years become dependable with the ball and a versatile option for any captain. How do you see your progression as a bowler?

Imad Wasim: In my mind I just think about the pride and joy of playing cricket as a profession. It’s a career that many people dream of pursuing and I feel that I am very lucky to be a cricketer. I just want to grab every opportunity I can to perform. Whether the captain wants me to bowl in the first over, during the power-play, the 10th over or in the last few overs, I have to be ready to deliver my best. Sometimes you go for runs, other days you will get wickets, but that’s part of life, but you have to be up for any challenge that is thrown at you.


PakPassion.net: As a spinner, what’s going through your mind when you are bowling during the power-play overs?

Imad Wasim: Well there aren’t many spinners around the world who are comfortable or enjoy bowling during the power-play overs or in the death overs. I am sure they would rather prefer to bowl in the middle-overs. But I like the challenges that are thrown at me and when I am asked to do something outside of my comfort zone. It gives me more game-awareness and teaches me things that I would not learn if I was just bowling in the middle-overs. Cricket is all about progressing and learning and you won’t do that unless you are thrown into different situations, difficult scenarios and into situations where you are out of your comfort-zone.


PakPassion.net: You’ve shown progress with the bat, is that something that you have been looking to improve?

Imad Wasim: It’s disappointing in a good way that I don’t get many chances to bat especially in T20Is as our batsman have been doing well. I feel this is an area of my game that has definitely improved and I’m looking forward to more opportunities with the bat going forward. I think it’s always a good sign when the lower order doesn’t have to bat very often, but I’m happy with the improvements with the bat and feel that whenever I am given a chance I can perform.


PakPassion.net: You’ve recently spent over 2 months with Mushtaq Ahmed in England. What did you discuss with him regarding your bowling?

Imad Wasim: He was a world-class spinner and is a great coach/mentor. I get along really well with all of the coaching staff and it’s very easy to speak with Mushy bhai and Waqar bhai, they really motivate you and are there to help you. I’m learning to bowl a new kind of delivery which I hope will be ready soon because as a cricketer you are always learning and that’s where the coaching staff really help you. Mushy bhai gives me so much confidence, he wants me to attack, to take wickets and not to be afraid to try different things or to become a defensive bowler. He’s a brilliant coach and mentor.


PakPassion.net: Regarding the coaching staff on the tour of England, was there perhaps too much advice coming at the players from them?

Imad Wasim: No I don’t think so. The coaches minded their own business and stuck to their own areas. It was a very professional set-up and I really enjoyed it. There was not a single mishap or controversy on the tour despite us being in the bubble for so long. The coaching staff were absolutely spot-on in every department and fantastic role-models for the players. They worked really hard with all of us and if you ask any of the players, they will tell you that this was the smoothest tour we have had for a long time.


PakPassion.net: You must be pleased that the remainder of the Pakistan Super League is going to be played in November in Lahore?

Imad Wasim: I’m delighted that it’s been rescheduled and I’m very keen for Karachi Kings to win the tournament this time around. It’s fantastic that the tournament is being played in Pakistan too rather than overseas. I’ve already had messages from many overseas players who are looking forward to getting back to Pakistan and finishing off the tournament.


PakPassion.net: Will it be Karachi Kings’ year to win their first ever Pakistan Super League title?

Imad Wasim: We are really up for it as we were earlier in the year. We had built some good momentum during the PSL earlier this year and it is important to re-build that momentum. Every team is in the same situation regarding re-starting so there can be no excuses and there will be no advantage to any of the teams. It’s just a case of getting back into it and getting going from the first ball. But yes, we would definitely love to win the PSL for the first time.


PakPassion.net: Babar Azam is your captain in the Pakistan white-ball sides, and you are his skipper at Karachi Kings. Does that sometimes cause any complications?

Imad Wasim: No, not at all. We are like brothers and he is a great guy. When he wants advice, he takes it from me and when I want advice from him, he is there to offer that advice to me. There is mutual respect from both of us and we have played enough cricket together over the years to know each other’s game and personality. There is no issue of either of us trying to step on the other’s toes and we are there to help and support each other whenever we need it and to respect each other.


PakPassion.net: On the topic of Babar Azam, he has had some criticism recently regarding his batting and captaincy. Do you think that’s harsh?

Imad Wasim: He’s the leader and the whole team respects him. He’s the best batsman in the world without any doubt. When you are the best batsman in the world, eventually you will be the best captain in the world too. He leads from the front with the bat and he’s started to do that with his captaincy too. I would request everyone who is bashing him to remember that he is young, he is learning, and he will take Pakistan cricket to the next level. We will be there with him and support him with anything he needs inside, or outside the ground.


PakPassion.net: How do you rate Pakistan’s chances for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup tournament?

Imad Wasim: Whilst I do feel that we are a very good Twenty20 side, the fact is that England is a very strong Twenty20 team and one of the world’s best sides in this format. For us there were positive signs recently against England in that we scored over 190 in both innings against them. I feel that we are bowling well, and in my view, we are amongst four teams who could win the tournament alongside England, Australia and India and I am sure we will put up a good show when the tournament takes place.

 

[zain7077]

Agree with him. Ridiculous how underrated he is. Babar is without a shadow of doubt the second best all format batsman in the world and in 2-3 years will be 1st.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Agree with him. Ridiculous how underrated he is. Babar is without a shadow of doubt the second best all format batsman in the world and in 2-3 years will be 1st.

Babar avgs in early 40s in tests. Until he avgs in 50s he will not be anywhere near the best batsmen in the game.

 

[The lone Ranger]

Yeah the same world where fakhar zaman is considered as the second best and pakistan is the best team and you're the best all-rounder!.

With one test century away from home anyone can become the best player in the world lol.

 

[zain7077]

Yeah the same world where fakhar zaman is considered as the second best and pakistan is the best team and you're the best all-rounder!.

With one test century away from home anyone can become the best player in the world lol.

You’re a hater. Look at the strike rates of the Indian batsman who have played in Dubai or Abu Dubai so far in the IPL. Babar will eventually average 50+ anyway but he has only played 4 tests out of 30 at home.

 

[Titan24]

Babar avgs in early 40s in tests. Until he avgs in 50s he will not be anywhere near the best batsmen in the game.

45 average will be called mid 40s rather than early 40s.

 

[Titan24]

Yeah the same world where fakhar zaman is considered as the second best and pakistan is the best team and you're the best all-rounder!.

With one test century away from home anyone can become the best player in the world lol.

Some posters were comparing Labuschagne with Babar and he has no no away century in test cricket. While Mayank Agarwal was being said to be one of the best test openers currently by some and he again has no test 100s away from home.

Standards used for evaluating players shouldnt change based upon the narrative people try to put forward.

 

[Mesozoic]

He’s the best batsman in the world without any doubt.

Okay. Nothing wrong with hyping your best player.

When you are the best batsman in the world, eventually you will be the best captain in the world too.

But what kind of logic is this ?

Countless number of world class batsmen have come and gone but only few became decent captains. Don't know if this was lost in translation or something but this was a borderline bizarre statement from Imad.

 

[ataullah]

Okay. Nothing wrong with hyping your best player.



But what kind of logic is this ?

Countless number of world class batsmen have come and gone but only few became decent captains. Don't know if this was lost in translation or something but this was a borderline bizarre statement from Imad.

Stupid logic. Only our boys would make such a statement

 

[Saj]

This guy's performances have been very consistent, despite other's performances in the Pakistan set-up declining in recent times.

To have an economy rate of 6.15 after 46 T20Is is nothing short of amazing in the modern game.

I think sometimes he's undervalued especially in the 20 over format.

 

[Ilan Bluestone]

I think he's just hyping up his teammate with kind words.

He's a top 5ish batsman.

I don't think anyone thinks he's better than Smith, Root, Kohli, Sharma, or Williamson yet. Not an insult though, I mean he's 25.

With regard to Imad, very underrated cricketer. Not going to wow you but neither is he going to hurt you. Solid player most are happy with on their squad.

 

[shamaan]

I think he's just hyping up his teammate with kind words.

He's a top 5ish batsman.

I don't think anyone thinks he's better than Smith, Root, Kohli, Sharma, or Williamson yet. Not an insult though, I mean he's 25.

With regard to Imad, very underrated cricketer. Not going to wow you but neither is he going to hurt you. Solid player most are happy with on their squad.

Better than root defo

 

[Thunderbolt14]

This guy's performances have been very consistent, despite other's performances in the Pakistan set-up declining in recent times.

To have an economy rate of 6.15 after 46 T20Is is nothing short of amazing in the modern game.

I think sometimes he's undervalued especially in the 20 over format.

He’s been incredibly valuable so far, really. I don’t see wickets as important as economy in T20s, because strangling the run rate gets you wickets and also keeps the score low which is more important than bowling the opposition out (say, 140-2 vs 190-9). I hope he can maintain it moving forward as well.

 

[Mamoon]

If you take out the big 3 and New Zealand batsmen, I think Babar is currently the best batsman out of the remaining lot.

Imad is Pakistan’s best all-rounder. Comfortably better than the hugely overrated Shadab.

 

[shaz619]

If you take out the big 3 and New Zealand batsmen, I think Babar is currently the best batsman out of the remaining lot.

Imad is Pakistan’s best all-rounder. Comfortably better than the hugely overrated Shadab.

Across all forms Babar is arguably the best in the world; this is conveyed by the rankings to. Praise from our very own legendary Anderson also should hold a lot of weight, we don't give credit so easily especially for touring batsman.

Both Imad and Shadab are mediocre as it stands, Imad perhaps is just about ok in T20's but don't see him winning you games by himself

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP): Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim believes the limited-overs skipper Babar Azam leads from the front saying the Lahore-born prolific batsman would take Pakistan cricket to the next level.

“He’s the leader and the whole team respects him. He’s the best batsman in the world without any doubt. When you are the best batsman in the world, eventually you will be the best captain in the world too.

“Babar leads from the front with the bat and he’s started to do that with his captaincy too. I would request everyone who is bashing him to remember that he is young, he is learning, and he will take Pakistan cricket to the next level. We will be there with him and support him with anything he needs inside, or outside the ground,” Pakpassion.net quoted him as saying.

To a question about, Babar was the Pakistan captain while Imad was his skipper at Karachi Kings, Imad said we were like brothers and he was a great guy.

“When he wants advice, he takes it from me and when I want advice from him, he is there to offer that advice to me. There is mutual respect from both of us and we have played enough cricket together over the years to know each other’s game and personality. There is no issue of either of us trying to step on the other’s toes and we are there to help and support each other whenever we need it and to respect each other,” he said.

To a question about Pakistan’s chances for next year’s ICC Twenty20 World Cup, Imad said we were a very good T20 side, the fact is that England was a very strong T20 team and one of the world’s best sides in this format. “For us there were positive signs recently against England in that we scored over 190 in both innings against them. I feel that we are bowling well, and in my view, we are amongst four teams who could win the tournament alongside England, Australia and India and I am sure we will put up a good show when the tournament takes place,” he said.

On return of international cricket in Pakistan, Imad said international cricket has been revived and was now back for good in Pakistan, which was fantastic news for the players, the Pakistan Cricket Board and for fans. “The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been played entirely in Pakistan this year very successfully, and some of the English players played in Pakistan during the PSL. So, I see no reason at all why England cannot tour Pakistan. I am hopeful that the tour will happen and we are really looking forward to welcoming them to Pakistan, hosting them and to provide them with great facilities to make it a memorable tour for all,” he said.

https://www.app.com.pk/sports/babar-to-take-pakistan-cricket-to-next-level-imad-wasim/

 

[Saj]

Imad seems to divide opinions, but he's an asset and a vital piece of the jigsaw for Pakistan.

 

[MenInG]

2/33 in 4 overs today vs SP - very effective and seems to be back in rhythm on Pak soil.

 

[Majid Khan]

An overall first class batting average of 43 with 8 centuries are hardly the figures of the worlds best batsman - but he’s a a fine young batsman who definitely has potential to reach the very top.. let’s not over hype him, Imad.

Virat Kohli meanwhile averages 54 in test cricket with 27 centuries - even if you don’t include the runs he’s plundered against domestic bowling attacks in first class cricket.

Steven Smith averages 63 in test cricket with 26 hundreds in comparison.

Look at these stats again - Babar is a kid compared to these proven top tier batsmen at this stage of his career.

I look forward to the day someone can quote this post and share with me Babar’s test record with a 50+ batting average with 25+ test centuries and ask, do you rate him among the best now ? But until then I will wait for the kid to grow into a man and establish himself.

 

[shamaan]

An overall first class batting average of 43 with 8 centuries are hardly the figures of the worlds best batsman - but he’s a a fine young batsman who definitely has potential to reach the very top.. let’s not over hype him, Imad.

Virat Kohli meanwhile averages 54 in test cricket with 27 centuries - even if you don’t include the runs he’s plundered against domestic bowling attacks in first class cricket.

Steven Smith averages 63 in test cricket with 26 hundreds in comparison.

Look at these stats again - Babar is a kid compared to these proven top tier batsmen at this stage of his career.

I look forward to the day someone can quote this post and share with me Babar’s test record with a 50+ batting average with 25+ test centuries and ask, do you rate him among the best now ? But until then I will wait for the kid to grow into a man and establish himself.

Yeah and virat has pujara infront of him smith has lambuchane whilst babar has azhar

 

[Hitman]

You do not become the best batsman in the world with an average of 45 odd in the premier form of the game, that too with a grand total of 5 centuries.

 

[Justcrazy]

Babaar needs to win games by himself , otherwise he will not be considered best .

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

You do not become the best batsman in the world with an average of 45 odd in the premier form of the game, that too with a grand total of 5 centuries.

Actually he hasn't won his team a single game in tests against good teams.

 

[MHN1293]

Actually he hasn't won his team a single game in tests against good teams.

U cant win your team games when u score a 200 and the whole rest of the team adds only 50 more runs. Obviously babar hasnt scored 200s so far but even if he does he will never be termed a consistent matchwinner because of the average cricketers surrounding him.

 

[Mesozoic]

He's a brilliant player no doubt but with a grand total of one Test hundred away from home and just one match winning knock against a top team in ODIs is hardly "Best in the world" material.

11 out of his 16 international hundreds came against Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

He has to do much more to reach the pinnacle.

 

[MMHS]

U cant win your team games when u score a 200 and the whole rest of the team adds only 50 more runs. Obviously babar hasnt scored 200s so far but even if he does he will never be termed a consistent matchwinner because of the average cricketers surrounding him.

That’s not true actually- Babar is a fantastic batsman in making, but let alone consistent, he has failed measurably in four occasions when he had the chance to win a Test for his team. These are (writing from memory, don’t catch me for marginal figures)

1. SRL @ UAE - target was 120; and he made single digit
2. In WIN - 2nd Test, target was 180, he made a second ball duck, PAK folded for 80
3. NZ @ UAE - 1st Test, Azhar is famous for his batting with Abbas, but the collapse started with Babar’s Run Out - it was R/O so not entirely his fault, but he had the chance to close the game in first innings; left half-cooked with a 62.
4. The Old Trafford Test - as the premier batsman of his side, came at 30/2 or so, lead like 170.... then played like tailender and left with 5 (20) - the game was lost there.

Remember, we are not talking about him being a very good batsman, we are talking about being world’s best & benchmark for his generation .....

 

[Rana]

He's a brilliant player no doubt but with a grand total of one Test hundred away from home and just one match winning knock against a top team in ODIs is hardly "Best in the world" material.

11 out of his 16 international hundreds came against Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe.


He has to do much more to reach the pinnacle.

Yeah and ICC needs to do more to give Pakistan the correct amount of games equally against the big sides. You can’t play Australia once every 2 years for 2 Tests and expect him to be piling on runs in 4 innings every 2-4 years

The whole ICC fixture scheduling system is farcical system seems a farce

 

[Mesozoic]

Yeah and ICC needs to do more to give Pakistan the correct amount of games equally against the big sides. You can’t play Australia once every 2 years for 2 Tests and expect him to be piling on runs in 4 innings every 2-4 years

The whole ICC fixture scheduling system is farcical system seems a farce

Well Pakistan are ranked no.7 so you can't blame the ICC or the big sides for playing lesser games against them. They're getting as many games as Sri Lanka or West Indies do.

Besides it's not even a valid excuse when the guy has just 1 hundred in like 30 away innings.

 

[MHN1293]

Well Pakistan are ranked no.7 so you can't blame the ICC or the big sides for playing lesser games against them. They're getting as many games as Sri Lanka or West Indies do.

Besides it's not even a valid excuse when the guy has just 1 hundred in like 30 away innings.

Sachin tendulkar in his first 4 to 5 years scored no centuries in odis and look where his century count stands now. I am not trying to compare babar with sachin all i am trying to say is that with time a player can improve which babar has been doing for the past two years and he is only 25 so he has a lot of tine on his hands.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Yeah and ICC needs to do more to give Pakistan the correct amount of games equally against the big sides. You can’t play Australia once every 2 years for 2 Tests and expect him to be piling on runs in 4 innings every 2-4 years

The whole ICC fixture scheduling system is farcical system seems a farce

llol australia refused to give pakistan more games during the tour down under because it wouldnt be competitive. last time pakistan won or drew a test in Australia was?

 

[Rana]

Well Pakistan are ranked no.7 so you can't blame the ICC or the big sides for playing lesser games against them. They're getting as many games as Sri Lanka or West Indies do.

Besides it's not even a valid excuse when the guy has just 1 hundred in like 30 away innings.

So we are ranked 7 and we rarely get the chance to improve this ranking in the first place due to a severe lack of games against the top 4-5 teams whereas the top 3 teams are playing each other nearly every other week!

In a 4 year span, England and Australia play approximately 3 Ashes series. That’s 15 Tests. That’s a maximum of 30 innings. That’s enough innings for a batsman to score 7-10 centuries against England or Australia and solidifying his status as a credible batsman

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

From what we saw in England, clearly Babar Azam is not the best batsman in the world. He is a very good batsman, with potential to kick on.

Long, long way to go.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I don't know why we have to hype everything to the max. If Imad had just said one of the top 5 batsmen in the world, it would be more than enough praise, and also give respect to the genuine world best like Smith and Kohli.

 

[MenInG]

Imad Wasim speaking in a presser ahead of the resumption of PSL 6 in Abu Dhabi:

"Those players who have played alongside me know I have never stepped back from taking on any challenge and will never do that. In this tournament if I don't bowl another over then I won't worry if it affects my selection but I won't be bothered by what people say"

"For some journalists and fans I didn't bowl much in the first leg of PSL due to a fear of being exposed. What matters is the team, if the team needs 4 overs from me or 0 overs it doesn't bother me. I've never backed down from any challenge in front of me"

 

[Bhaijaan]

Nothing wrong with believing in your guy.

Problem however is when theh call Babar the absolute best batsman in the world but still settle for and celebrate mediocrity. That's a wrong mentality then.

Pakistan should demand nothing but greatness from Babar Azam every time he steps out to bat.

 

[Hitman]

Have you ever in any era seen the best batsman in the world average 42 odd in Tests?

 

[ChTab]

World best Batsman who scored 2 runs vs Zim in 2 innings.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

World best Batsman who scored 2 runs vs Zim in 2 innings.

When it's not in your destiny it's not in your destiny like i said before he's not had the best time with the bat in tests this year, however he will need to step up for the biggest challenge in my eyes this year in WI who in my view are no pushovers with the likes of Roach, Holder, Gabriel and A. Josesph.

 

[Caved12]

Babar is a great batsman, but to say that he is the best batsman in the world, is completely wrong. He must up his test average and help Pakistan win overseas before we start comparing him to Virat Kane etc.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Sick burn. When it's not in your destiny it's not in your destiny like i said to another PakPassion admin he's not had the best time with the bat in tests this year, however he will need to step up for the biggest challenge in my eyes this year in WI who in my view are no pushovers with the likes of Roach, Holder, Gabriel and A. Josesph.

At 42.5, his test avg says he hasn't done very well. Ofcourse he hasn't done well this year. No minnows to bash at home.

 

[Ab Fan]

Marnus is better than him. In an imaginary world, KL Rahul and Markram are also better than him.

 

[OMB]

IMO, Babar is best batsman in the history of cricket

What makes you form that opinion?
IMO, Babar himself wouldn't agree with your opinion. might even flinch

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Smith, Kane, Kohli, Root and Marnus are all better than him at the moment in tests. Even Pant has played more impactful innings in test cricket to Babar till date!

 

[AMSS]

In ODIs he's got a solid case for being anointed as the best on current form. Has to keep this consistency for a few more seasons before he's rated the best though. He hasn't even reached milestone of 4k runs yet.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

At 42.5, his test avg says he hasn't done very well. Ofcourse he hasn't done well this year. No minnows to bash at home.

Nothing wrong with that average, he has played some stellar innings and would still pick him any day of the week. He's going through a lull at the moment but it's good to see that our middle order in tests is not heavily reliant on him doing well i.e. it's Babar or bust.

 

[Adnanaddi]

Why everyone is acting like he said something ludicrous, players from the same team do that to their best batsman to hype up or just be in his good books and it's not just in cricket we have seen it in football countless time players picking their teammate as best

 

[speed_thrills]

Across formats and based on current form, yes BA is the best batsman in the world.

 

[Mamoon]

Babar is a B grade batsman. He is not skilled enough or talented enough to average 50+ in Tests, and he is a low impact player in LOIs.

The only reason he stands out in Pakistan is because Pakistan is a joke of a cricket team with no talent at all.

Any half-decent batsman looks a million dollar player in Pakistan.

If Babar was Indian he would never be discussed as a top batsman, because he would still be struggling to cement his place in the team and would be in the shadows of Kohli, Rohit, Pujara, Pant etc.

 

[Rana]

Rassie Van der Dussen

Under appreciated high quality player