Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has offered advice to Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, urging him to adjust his playing style and leadership approach following Pakistan's defeat to India in the 2023 World Cup.
Babar's leadership skills have recently faced scrutiny, particularly after Pakistan's loss to arch-rivals India in the World Cup 2023. This defeat led to substantial criticism, including comments from former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who openly questioned Azam's ability to think innovatively as a captain and suggested that he consider stepping down from his role.
Furthermore, Babar's lackluster performance in the World Cup has been a significant topic of discussion during the tournament.
Gautam Gambhir, speaking to Sportskeeda, emphasized the need for Babar to adopt a more positive and assertive mindset as a leader. Gambhir pointed out the contrasting styles of innings played by Babar Azam and Rohit Sharma to underscore his opinion that the Pakistan captain should adopt a more aggressive and proactive approach, steering away from a defensive mindset.
"I feel Babar will have to change his personality, his game and, importantly, his mindset. Pakistan have had a history of attacking batters - Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, Saeed Anwar, Aamer Sohail. In the present top three, everyone bats in similar mode. If someone has to take responsibility, it has to be their captain, who bats at No. 3," Gambhir said.
"There is no point looking at stats. You may become Pakistan's leading run-getter, but legacy is created by winning tournaments, not individual records. Wasim Akram took three wickets in the 1992 World Cup final. He did not pick up a five-fer, but everybody talks about it because they won the World Cup. Nobody talks about Mahela Jayawardene's hundred in the 2011 final. Everyone remembers that India won the match," he added.
Gambhir's advice comes in the backdrop of increasing pressure on Babar Azam to demonstrate strong leadership and lead his team effectively, especially in high-stakes encounters like matches against India in global tournaments. It remains to be seen how Babar Azam responds to this counsel as Pakistan continues its campaign in the World Cup.
"The team plays how the captain plays. Both Babar Azam and Rohit Sharma scored fifties."One scored a 50, other scored an 80. None of them scored a hundred, but it was the approach that was the difference. If Pakistan were chasing 190, their mindset would have been just to win the game, whether they get there in 35 or 40 overs," Gambhir continued.
"It is important for the captain to take responsibility. If the captain is defensive, the team will be defensive. You can't tell the 10 other players in the room that, 'you play positive, I will play [anchor] from one end'," the former cricketer concluded.
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