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'There is obviously an additional pressure because of it...': Mohammad Rizwan's take on Babar Azam's lean patch ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan backed former captain Babar Azam after he failed to perform against New Zealand and South Africa in the tri-nation series.

Sports Tak

• Fri • 14 Feb 2025

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attending a practice session

Highlights:

Mohammad Rizwan backs struggling Babar Azam.

Babar Azam scored 10 and 23 runs in his last two ODIs.

Babar Azam will feature as an opener in Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan opened up on Babar Azam's lean patch as the side are preparing for their tri-nation series final against New Zealand. Rizwan believes that the former Pakistan captain will get his mojo back and the runs in the final game would be valuable.

Babar is currently going through a lean patch in his career, the former Pakistan captain's numbers have taken a hit over the last year. His ODI form known to be his strongest format has suffered a massive decline. Since the start of the 2023 Asia Cup, he has averaged 42.90 in 25 games, bringing his career average down from nearly 59 to the mid-50s. If his knock of 151 against Nepal is excluded, that average dips further below 38.

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In his first outing of the tri-nation series against New Zealand Babar got cheaply dismissed scoring just 10 runs. After Babar's dismissal, Fakhar Zaman smashed 84 from the other end. During Pakistan's last outing against South Africa Babar was off to a good start but was trapped in front for 23 by Wiaan Mulder.

“Babar has scored so many runs for Pakistan that we expect him to score a hundred in each game," Rizwan was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. “If we don’t judge him by those extreme expectations, you’ll find he’s still chipping in and contributing valuably for us."

Rizwan believes that Babar faces more pressure due to his past game-changing knocks. While technical flaws haven’t been glaring, the scrutiny on his every innings has intensified.

“As a captain, I expect a lot more of him too because of all he has done in the past," Rizwan continued. “There is obviously an additional pressure because of it, and I’m sure he feels that too. But if you look at his innings in South Africa, he is still scoring runs. It’s not as if he has clear technical deficiencies, but he is still being tested. I am confident he’ll come out of it."

Babar's performance got a big dip after his batting promotion in ODIs. After Saim Ayub's injury, the star batter is featuring as an opener in ODIs. He will also feature as an opener in the Champions Trophy 2025 as well. Babar's form will play huge role in Pakistan's success in the Champions Trophy.