Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Babar Azam’s Performance and Role Models
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar recently criticized star batter Babar Azam for his performance during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against India. Babar Azam faced heavy backlash after scoring only 23 runs off 26 balls before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Akhtar’s Comments on Babar Azam
During the show Game On Hai, Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment in Babar Azam’s choice of role models. He compared Azam to Virat Kohli, highlighting Kohli’s idolization of Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 100 international centuries. Akhtar criticized Babar Azam for not following the footsteps of a legendary cricketer like Tendulkar, calling him a “fraud from the beginning.”
Akhtar stated, “We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me who is the hero of Virat Kohli? Sachin Tendulkar, and he has scored 100 centuries, and Virat is chasing his legacy. Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (Without naming any cricketer). You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning.”
Shoaib Akhtar’s Praise for Virat Kohli
Shoaib Akhtar also praised Virat Kohli for his outstanding performance during the match, where Kohli scored a match-winning century to help India chase down a 242-run target. Akhtar called Kohli a “modern-day great” and a “superstar,” highlighting his dominance in white-ball cricket.
Akhtar applauded Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure, stating, “When you tell Virat Kohli that he has to play against Pakistan, he will score a century. Hats off to him, he’s like a superstar! He’s a white ball run chaser! Modern-day great! No doubt about him.”
Virat Kohli’s Remarkable Performance
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century played a crucial role in India’s victory, as they comfortably chased down the target set by Pakistan. Kohli’s innings of 100 off 111 balls included seven boundaries and showcased his ability to anchor the innings under challenging conditions.
During his innings, Kohli also achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs, joining the elite club of Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Despite the heat and slow pitch, Kohli displayed incredible endurance, with a majority of his runs coming through running between the wickets.
In conclusion, Shoaib Akhtar’s criticism of Babar Azam’s performance and choice of role models, along with his praise for Virat Kohli’s exceptional innings, adds an intriguing dimension to the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan.
The Importance of Role Models in Cricket
Shoaib Akhtar’s comments on Babar Azam’s choice of role models shed light on the significance of idolization in the world of cricket. Role models play a crucial role in shaping a player’s mentality, work ethic, and approach to the game. By emulating the qualities and achievements of legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, players like Virat Kohli have been able to set high standards for themselves and consistently strive for excellence.
Choosing the right role models can inspire young cricketers to push their limits, develop their skills, and aim for greatness on the international stage. Babar Azam’s decision to look up to a player known for defensive techniques, as hinted by Akhtar’s reference to “tuk tuk,” may have influenced his approach to batting and hindered his ability to adapt to different match situations.
The Pressure of Performance in High-Stakes Matches
Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance under pressure during the ICC Champions Trophy match against Pakistan exemplifies the mental strength required to succeed in high-stakes encounters. As one of the leading batters in modern cricket, Kohli’s ability to deliver when it matters most showcases his composure, skill, and determination to excel in crucial moments.
Facing a challenging target and the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, Kohli’s century not only helped his team secure a victory but also demonstrated his leadership qualities and ability to lead from the front. In the fast-paced world of limited-overs cricket, the pressure to perform consistently under various circumstances is a true test of a player’s caliber.
The Evolution of Batting Techniques in Modern Cricket
The contrasting styles of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli reflect the diverse approaches to batting in modern cricket. While Azam’s technique may be more traditional and inclined towards building an innings patiently, Kohli’s aggressive yet controlled batting embodies the evolution of white-ball cricket, where run-scoring has become more dynamic and aggressive.
As the game continues to evolve with innovations like T20 cricket and the demand for faster run rates, batters like Kohli have adapted their game to meet the requirements of contemporary cricket formats. The ability to balance aggression with technique and adapt to changing match situations is a hallmark of successful modern-day batters like Kohli.
Implications for Babar Azam’s Growth and Development
Shoaib Akhtar’s critique of Babar Azam’s performance and choice of role models can serve as a wake-up call for the young Pakistani batter to reassess his approach to the game. By reflecting on the influence of his role models and the need to set higher standards for himself, Azam can strive to elevate his game, expand his range of shots, and become a more versatile and impactful player on the international stage.
Learning from the success stories of players like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, Babar Azam has the opportunity to refine his skills, broaden his cricketing knowledge, and emerge as a more formidable force in world cricket. By embracing a growth mindset and seeking inspiration from the right sources, Azam can overcome the challenges highlighted by Akhtar and fulfill his potential as a top-tier batter.
Overall, the scrutiny faced by Babar Azam and the accolades earned by Virat Kohli in the ICC Champions Trophy match offer valuable insights into the complexities of cricketing performance, the role of role models, and the evolution of batting techniques in the modern game.
