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Selfish batting of Babar Azam will not let him fulfill his potential

All our guys were asked by Mickey to change their style of play and score fast, but this is not how we play our cricket. Even in T20s we save wickets for the last 10 overs. Our guys got confused and were always in two minds and completely forgot what gave them success in the last two years of playing odis. Babar always settled in nicely only to throw his wicket away by playing an aerial shot. Babar should have stuck to scoring runs around 80 to 90 strike rate and we may have won one more game in this world cup and still stay alive in this tournament.
I have always supported Mickey, but all these problems started when Mickey arrived in our camp and started coaching our guys. You see as a captain, I will never appreciate a director or coach staying away from my team all the time and then just show up before the start of the tournament and start coaching my guys and taking them into a completely different direction just days before the start of the world cup.
 
I don't think bobby is being selfish. Just zero confidence atm. Too much pressure
 
In a TV show Mohammad Hafeez commented on Babar Azam's scratchy knock against Multan Sultans, he said:

"I think this is a limited overs format with only 120 balls in it so whichever batsman plays more balls has a greater responsibility to set a good total and win the game."

"Today, I believe Babar took some extra pressure on himself thinking he's the only performer through whom the team is winning, so he felt he had to stick to the wicket. Yes, I totally agree that Babar has to play more responsibly but he shouldn't prolong the game to the extent that his own batting flow gets disrupted. We've seen this happen with Rizwan and Babar as well where they gave themselves too much time to get settled but eventually it was too late."

"I think considering the form Babar was in he could comfortably play 10 or 15 balls but after that he needed to switch into a mode where he could score quick runs because when your flow starts to stall even if you get bad balls you can't play them as effectively."
 
it’s less of selfishness and more of lack of skills. He has a pretty limited number of power shots and plays accordingly.
 
Okay. He'll be the #1 pick sent into smash in a super over. Babar has all the shots
I really really hope that Pakistan manages to draw against one of these teams and they send babar and rizwan in a super over.

Please God make that happen cause I'm always around for a good sitcom.
 
I really really hope that Pakistan manages to draw against one of these teams and they send babar and rizwan in a super over.

Please God make that happen cause I'm always around for a good sitcom.

I said Babar not Rizwan. Other guy to send depends on the bowler - maybe Iftikhar.

Something to ponder though, who do we send in a super over scenario.
 
I said Babar not Rizwan. Other guy to send depends on the bowler - maybe Iftikhar.

Something to ponder though, who do we send in a super over scenario.
You have to send fakhar, saim or iftikhar obviously, or if Muhammad haris is playing then him possibly.

It's literally 1 over, Theirs no time to stat pad and play classy, either go out or get out, Theirs literally no other way to play a super over?

It's why West Indies during their 2012 to 2016 days so we're freakishly good in super overs despite being an average team, otherwise.
 
You have to send fakhar, saim or iftikhar obviously, or if Muhammad haris is playing then him possibly.

It's literally 1 over, Theirs no time to stat pad and play classy, either go out or get out, Theirs literally no other way to play a super over?

It's why West Indies during their 2012 to 2016 days so we're freakishly good in super overs despite being an average team, otherwise.

He's simply the best batter in the team. You send your best to play a super over.
Bear in mind he'll already have acclimatized to the conditions of the pitch. Obviously he would try to score the maximum.
 
He's simply the best batter in the team. You send your best to play a super over.
Bear in mind he'll already have acclimatized to the conditions of the pitch. Obviously he would try to score the maximum.
No you don't, otherwise England wouldn't have sent jos butler and Ben Stokes to bat in the 2019 super over.

The best performers of that cup wasn't Ben Stokes, he performed the best in the final match, but throughout the tournament Roy and bairstow and even root and Morgan were 100x better then him.

They sent him cause he performed that day and was literally set while Butler was sent because he was the most destructive batsmen in the team.

Sending babar who would either vet dismissed early or make a painful 50 of 42 would be career suicide in a super over.
 
I said Babar not Rizwan. Other guy to send depends on the bowler - maybe Iftikhar.

Something to ponder though, who do we send in a super over scenario.
Yes and Misbah played an amazing super over against Joginder Sharma in 2007
 
Yes and Misbah played an amazing super over against Joginder Sharma in 2007

It wouldn't have come to that if Afridi and Gul had hit the stumps in the bowl out in the group match. You do remember that don't you? It used to be a bowl-out not a super over.

India might not have even made the final if we had won that. Oh btw Misbah was top scorer in that match as well.
 
No you don't, otherwise England wouldn't have sent jos butler and Ben Stokes to bat in the 2019 super over.

The best performers of that cup wasn't Ben Stokes, he performed the best in the final match, but throughout the tournament Roy and bairstow and even root and Morgan were 100x better then him.

They sent him cause he performed that day and was literally set while Butler was sent because he was the most destructive batsmen in the team.

Sending babar who would either vet dismissed early or make a painful 50 of 42 would be career suicide in a super over.

They could've sent any 2 and probably picked the lads who raised their hands. We don't have that luxury. Babar is our only batter who can hit a boundary off any ball
 
They could've sent any 2 and probably picked the lads who raised their hands. We don't have that luxury. Babar is our only batter who can hit a boundary off any ball
No they couldn't have, that's not how it works, it was a final, Morgan isn't stupid enough to just send anyone who says pick me pick me,

Sending babar to play a super over is like if Morgan sent Joe root to play a super over.

Yes babar can hit a boundary of every ball, that why Jordan turned him into a mockery yesterday.
 
They could've sent any 2 and probably picked the lads who raised their hands. We don't have that luxury. Babar is our only batter who can hit a boundary off any ball.

You do throw up some gems.

Is that the reason he always struggles with his SR?
 
So from the current lot which 2 batters would you prefer to play a super over
Do you know the rules of a super over?

It’s not a powerplay where you are allowed only 2 players outside the ring. In which Babar will score 1 or two boundaries on balls that suit his range, and then dab it to 3rd man for a single.

Knowing this, how can you honestly make the absurd claim that Babar should be one of the 3 that goes to play the powerplay? He has a balls per 6 ratio of 1 six hit every 60 odd balls. The Super over is just six balls. What are you going to do if you are to chase 24?
 
Do you know the rules of a super over?

It’s not a powerplay where you are allowed only 2 players outside the ring. In which Babar will score 1 or two boundaries on balls that suit his range, and then dab it to 3rd man for a single.

Knowing this, how can you honestly make the absurd claim that Babar should be one of the 3 that goes to play the powerplay? He has a balls per 6 ratio of 1 six hit every 60 odd balls. The Super over is just six balls. What are you going to do if you are to chase 24?

But his ability to get a four is second to none. Even 24 can be chased by hitting 6 fours
 
Funny how certain folks and so called experts still think Babar has an extra gear, he has NOT.
Still the best Pakistani batsman who may not score at 150 strike rate but does atleast score runs consistently to post atleast a fighting total unlike others.
 
But his ability to get a four is second to none. Even 24 can be chased by hitting 6 fours
Well now I think you are being ridiculous for no reason. 24 can be chased with Babar hitting 6 fours? Is the bowler going to be someone who the opposition doesn’t use as a regular bowler?
 
Well now I think you are being ridiculous for no reason. 24 can be chased with Babar hitting 6 fours? Is the bowler going to be someone who the opposition doesn’t use as a regular bowler?

Well if we get hit for 24 then obviously we didn't use a regular bowler. It can also be a combination of 4 fours, a two and a six. Many ways to get 24. Gist though is Babar plays the super over. You still haven't given your picks
 
Well if we get hit for 24 then obviously we didn't use a regular bowler. It can also be a combination of 4 fours, a two and a six. Many ways to get 24. Gist though is Babar plays the super over. You still haven't given your picks
I will pick the guys with the best balls per six ratio, those who are likely to maximise every ball.
 
I wouldnt pick Babar to bat in a super over.

my picks would be.
Fakhar
Iftikhar
Muhammed Haris or Saim


If its between Root,Williamson,smith,Babar
I will go Smith,Babar,Root,Williamson
 
The way he has played in his career so far, Fans may have to accept that he is fulfilling his potential.

He may not fulfill wishes of fans, but that's a different issue.
 
I will pick the guys with the best balls per six ratio, those who are likely to maximise every ball.

That's one way to look at it. What's flawed with this approach is that it makes tail enders look better. They don't play as many balls and try to get boundaries. Someone could literally hit one six an innings and be out the next ball and be on top of that chart
 
That's one way to look at it. What's flawed with this approach is that it makes tail enders look better. They don't play as many balls and try to get boundaries. Someone could literally hit one six an innings and be out the next ball and be on top of that chart
How about picking a decent number of sixes as a filter. Only proper batsmen will have enough number of sixes.
 
That's one way to look at it. What's flawed with this approach is that it makes tail enders look better. They don't play as many balls and try to get boundaries. Someone could literally hit one six an innings and be out the next ball and be on top of that chart

With 6 balls you are looking to maximise all 6.

6 W 6 W 6 W is better than

4 2 0 4 0 4.

Its simple maths, really.
 
That's one way to look at it. What's flawed with this approach is that it makes tail enders look better. They don't play as many balls and try to get boundaries. Someone could literally hit one six an innings and be out the next ball and be on top of that chart
Yeah well it has to be from the top 7

There will be no top 7 in the world where Babar will be in the best 3 balls per six ratio

He will be number 7 in all cases
 
With 6 balls you are looking to maximise all 6.

6 W 6 W 6 W is better than

4 2 0 4 0 4.

Its simple maths, really.

It's not Dr. Sahib. I thought you were a cricket analyst. You should know that the first option is not a possibility in a super over. After the 2nd wicket the over is finished so essentially it's only 12 runs. You can only pick 3 batters
 
It's not Dr. Sahib. I thought you were a cricket analyst. You should know that the first option is not a possibility in a super over. After the 2nd wicket the over is finished so essentially it's only 12 runs. You can only pick 3 batters

In terms of Super Over, yes you are right.

My bad.

But essentially 6s are better than 4s.

That is my defining point.
 
Yeah well it has to be from the top 7

There will be no top 7 in the world where Babar will be in the best 3 balls per six ratio

He will be number 7 in all cases

I dunno the stats but I'm sure if we combine all boundaries, Babar will probably be on top.

Similarly I think Rizwan has more 6s than others
 
I dunno the stats but I'm sure if we combine all boundaries, Babar will probably be on top.

Similarly I think Rizwan has more 6s than others
Go and do the stats

There is no way in hell Babar hits a 6 before facing 50-60 balls

Why are you insisting on rubbish?
 
I honestly don’t think you are as naive as you are coming across. But if you honestly want to send Babar and probably Rizwan for a super over ahead of others, that’s fine. You are a fan of this kind of cricket.

Read above Rana, I clearly said not Rizwan. I will back Babar for the super over. You haven't put any names forward
 
Yes and Misbah played an amazing super over against Joginder Sharma in 2007
How can we forget 🤣

Couldn’t even finish the game off against this policeman.

It was sad day for Pakistan cricket but at least it’s given us comic relief for years to come. Thank you Misbah.
 
They could've sent any 2 and probably picked the lads who raised their hands.

So does this mean if number 10 and 11 raise their hands first, they’ll get to bat in the super over?

@Dr_Bassim I guess that’s one way to get Muralitharan to bat during the super over?

We don't have that luxury. Babar is our only batter who can hit a boundary off any ball

Maybe against the likes of Uganda and Nepal.
 
But his ability to get a four is second to none. Even 24 can be chased by hitting 6 fours

Serious question.

Were you trying to be funny here when you came up with this post or were you being dead serious?
 
Serious question.

Were you trying to be funny here when you came up with this post or were you being dead serious?
He was probably serious tbh, this poster isn't the type to joke around.

All I'll say is, I hope babar comes to bat in a super over with rizwan. Like I'm dead serious. No joke.

I actually hope babar and rizwan get to play multiple super overs, please god I will become your devoted servant if you let this happen.

Only then can this drama rest.
 
So does this mean if number 10 and 11 raise their hands first, they’ll get to bat in the super over?

@Dr_Bassim I guess that’s one way to get Muralitharan to bat during the super over?



Maybe against the likes of Uganda and Nepal.
The reason England sent in Stokes over Roy or bairstow despite both batsmen the have much higher sr's in the tournament was because Stokes had been out their, was settled and the only batsmen accustomed to each condition and bowlers.

Butler was sent because he's the most explosive batsmen their is period in the English team at the time.

The sent these 2 via strategy, not because these 2 raised their hands, heck if anything, if I was Stokes I wouldn't raise my hand since I'd literally have been playing non stop in pressure situations. So I'd honestly want a break.
 
The most logical choices in a super over depending on the team playing would be saim and haris with fakhar at 3 since fakhar takes time to kick off.

If haider is playing then him, skill level doesn't matter in a super over. Its hit out or hit well.

Theirs hardly any strategy involved other then play the right stroke that goes to the boundary and hope the bowler gives you a hit me ball
 
How can we forget 🤣

Couldn’t even finish the game off against this policeman.

It was sad day for Pakistan cricket but at least it’s given us comic relief for years to come. Thank you Misbah.

The only thing funny about this WC was Gul, Afridi and Arafat not being able to hit the stumps in the bowl out. Even Sehwag and Uthapa were able to. Utter humiliation
 
Serious question.

Were you trying to be funny here when you came up with this post or were you being dead serious?

Considering that Pakistan has never hit a 6 in super over history, 4's are our best bet.

And yes even the big hitters have tried and failed. Afridi, U Akmal, Razzaq and more recently Fakhar, Iftikhar and Khushdil.

The latter group put up a grand total of 2 runs against Zimbabwe out of all teams!
 
The most logical choices in a super over depending on the team playing would be saim and haris with fakhar at 3 since fakhar takes time to kick off.

If haider is playing then him, skill level doesn't matter in a super over. Its hit out or hit well.

Theirs hardly any strategy involved other then play the right stroke that goes to the boundary and hope the bowler gives you a hit me ball

Skills definitely matter that's why Rohit Sharma can chase 20 whereas our sloggers, who do as you suggest, hit out or hit well, tend to hit out. Scores of 4 and 2. That's a grand total of 6 in 2 super overs with so called hitters.

Babar can chase that in 2 balls let alone 2 overs
 
Skills definitely matter that's why Rohit Sharma can chase 20 whereas our sloggers, who do as you suggest, hit out or hit well, tend to hit out. Scores of 4 and 2. That's a grand total of 6 in 2 super overs with so called hitters.

Babar can chase that in 2 balls let alone 2 overs
Theirs a difference.

Rohit sharma is arguably the greatest powerplay user of all time, I've never seen anyone consistently achieve 9 to 10RR in a powerplay be it odi or t20, especially if its Indian pitches. He's obviously an outlier since even kohli can't utilise the powerplay like rohit can.

Secondly it's one over, not a 20, Theirs no strategy involved in just 6 delivers beyond hitting. You need 6 hitters and sloggers for that one over.

India would never send kohli in a super over. They'd send rohit and sky, with pandya at no 3.
 
The only thing funny about this WC was Gul, Afridi and Arafat not being able to hit the stumps in the bowl out. Even Sehwag and Uthapa were able to. Utter humiliation
That was a joke bowl out. When it mattered, Gul and Afridi at least hit the stumps and took wickets for Pakistan in CRUCIAL junctures from 2007 to 2011. Gul, Afridi and Ajmal were supreme T20 bowlers for Pakistan.

Gul won Pakistan the all important game v NZ in 2009 to allow Pakistan to advance into the Semi’s. Afridi took huge wickets of Gibbs and AB at Trent Bridge.

Their names will be scribed in gold for these achievements.
 
Theirs a difference.

Rohit sharma is arguably the greatest powerplay user of all time, I've never seen anyone consistently achieve 9 to 10RR in a powerplay be it odi or t20, especially if its Indian pitches. He's obviously an outlier since even kohli can't utilise the powerplay like rohit can.

Secondly it's one over, not a 20, Theirs no strategy involved in just 6 delivers beyond hitting. You need 6 hitters and sloggers for that one over.

India would never send kohli in a super over. They'd send rohit and sky, with pandya at no 3.
It's because they have the luxury of proper hitters. Rohit, SKY and Pandya are not sloggers. We don't and never had such power hitters.
 
That was a joke bowl out. When it mattered, Gul and Afridi at least hit the stumps and took wickets for Pakistan in CRUCIAL junctures from 2007 to 2011. Gul, Afridi and Ajmal were supreme T20 bowlers for Pakistan.

Gul won Pakistan the all important game v NZ in 2009 to allow Pakistan to advance into the Semi’s. Afridi took huge wickets of Gibbs and AB at Trent Bridge.

Their names will be scribed in gold for these achievements.

You wouldn't call it a joke if we had won
 
It's because they have the luxury of proper hitters. Rohit, SKY and Pandya are not sloggers. We don't and never had such power hitters.
By slogging I didn't mean sloggers. Theirs a difference.

Regardless I'm not denying that you don't need cricketing strokes to be played during a super over but all shots obviously have to be calculated lofted shots or blind slogging in the worst case scenario since theirs only one over.

Rewatch the super over between England and NZ, their all slogging like hell, the mistime hots are going for 2.

Babar's pull shots and his cover drive is his only boundary scoring shot, he's beyond limited in boundary scores. He's useless in a super over.
 
By slogging I didn't mean sloggers. Theirs a difference.

Regardless I'm not denying that you don't need cricketing strokes to be played during a super over but all shots obviously have to be calculated lofted shots or blind slogging in the worst case scenario since theirs only one over.

Rewatch the super over between England and NZ, their all slogging like hell, the mistime hots are going for 2.

Babar's pull shots and his cover drive is his only boundary scoring shot, he's beyond limited in boundary scores. He's useless in a super over.

He has an excellent dab to third man against the Yorker and his cut shots are unreal. Babar has all the shots to get a boindary as long as it's a pacer bowling
 
You wouldn't call it a joke if we had won
Well, maybe I still would have. India didn’t pick their 3 main seamers to bowl this. Plus they were all laughing and giggling when their net bowlers were hitting the stumps, and Pakistan’s main bowlers were missing. They didn’t really care. Pakistan felt embarrassed at the time but I’m sure they were all bantering about but after the game in the restaurant or bar with each other
 
He has an excellent dab to third man against the Yorker and his cut shots are unreal. Babar has all the shots to get a boindary as long as it's a pacer bowling
What part of SUPER OVER do you not understand?

Or are you referring to his general playing ability during a normal game?
 
What part of SUPER OVER do you not understand?

Or are you referring to his general playing ability during a normal game?

I don't think you're getting this. We have never hit a 6 in a super over. Our best bet is to send a solid batter who can get a boundary regularly. Babar is best for that because the hitters can't hit. Even if they try slogging they get out and fail to clear the boundary.

As it's not a normal game and only one over, obviously Babar will try to get as many as he can.

Among all players to play T20Is, he's second on the list of getting the most 4s and first among all active players. Maybe you're doubting his intention rather than his ability?

 
I don't think you're getting this. We have never hit a 6 in a super over. Our best bet is to send a solid batter who can get a boundary regularly. Babar is best for that because the hitters can't hit. Even if they try slogging they get out and fail to clear the boundary.

As it's not a normal game and only one over, obviously Babar will try to get as many as he can.

Among all players to play T20Is, he's second on the list of getting the most 4s and first among all active players. Maybe you're doubting his intention rather than his ability?

Brother, why didn't you just lead with this? What was the point of all this 6' 4's nonsense then?

I finally get your viewpoint lol.

Regardless, no his intention is obviously going to be to hit, regardless us not hitting a 6 in a super over doesn't mean we shouldn't send players capable of hitting.

Saim ayub has shown the ability to play proper cricket strokes, he's 110% the one you should send, the 2nd person, well it depends in who's played the longest and gotten set during that game, which is what England did in 2019.
 
Brother, why didn't you just lead with this? What was the point of all this 6' 4's nonsense then?

I finally get your viewpoint lol.

Haha I'm glad you do. Can't show all the Aces up front, sometimes you gotta bluff to raise the pot so others go all in and then Baam, jackpot 😉
 
We had a thriller against NZ at Hamilton. India was chasing 18 in a super over required 10 runs in the last 2 balls. Rohit hit 2 sixes.

 
That was a joke bowl out.
Legend of msd kicks here.Msd and venkatesh prasad had worked out already who has to bowl before the tournament and msd was supposed to stand rt behind the stumps for the marker.Venkatesh prasad selected the bowlers who hit the bull's-eye most times in a prior practice session.

 
Legend of msd kicks here.Msd and venkatesh prasad had worked out already who has to bowl before the tournament and msd was supposed to stand rt behind the stumps for the marker.Venkatesh prasad selected the bowlers who hit the bull's-eye most times in a prior practice session.

I remember the commenters saying at the time that India picked the shorter non regular bowler guys in the side to bowl because of their likelihood to just walk in without a set bowling rhythm and hit the stumps apparently. It was strategic no doubt. A full time bowler (pacer) needs his full run up to get that rhythm to choose where they aim to land the ball.
 
. A full time bowler (pacer) needs his full run up to get that rhythm to choose where they aim to land the ball.
Even gavaskar was pointing out why the keeper was not next to the wickets and this type of mistakes aren't pak style (comparing to his days pak and its fast bowlers reputation )
 
I will pick the guys with the best balls per six ratio, those who are likely to maximise every ball.
I am sure you have caluclated that Babar has a better 6 to balls ratio than any of Root, Smith and Williamson across formats or white ball
 
I am sure you have caluclated that Babar has a better 6 to balls ratio than any of Root, Smith and Williamson across formats or white ball
I actually haven’t

Can you share that stat. Would be interesting
 
I actually haven’t

Can you share that stat. Would be interesting

Across format calculation of six per ball ratio is an useless exercise. In T20 six hitting is essential though

Root played only 32 T20s before being binned permanently

For what its worth calcuating T20 six rates

Steve Smith 33.53 balls per six
Kane williamson 35.51 balls per six
Root 44.18 balls per six
Babar 48.54 balls per six
 
Across format calculation of six per ball ratio is an useless exercise. In T20 six hitting is essential though

Root played only 32 T20s before being binned permanently

For what its worth calcuating T20 six rates

Steve Smith 33.53 balls per six
Kane williamson 35.51 balls per six
Root 44.18 balls per six
Babar 48.54 balls per six
Thanks bro

Will let the Babar die hard fan make up a statistic to feel good about himself
 
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