Shane Watson Backs Babar Azam To Regain Form Against India 

Kashish Chadha

image-lnla25ylBabar Azam failed to score runs against Netherlands and Sri Lanka [Twitter]

Babar Azam is due a big one and Shane Watson believes the Pakistan skipper and modern-day batting gem is going to unleash his wrath against arch-rivals India at the two countries' marquee encounter at the ICC World Cup 2023 next Saturday (October 14) in Ahmedabad. 

Expected to reign supreme on the global stage at this edition of the quadrennial event, one of the finest contemporary One-Day International players has been undergoing a rough patch since smashing a memorable 151 against Nepal at the start of the Asia Cup. 

Babar kickstarted the World Cup with a disappointing knock of 5 versus the Netherlands and was dismissed for a measly 10 off 15 deliveries at a critical point in Pakistan's run-chase against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Since dominating the inexperienced Nepalese side, the Pakistan giant is averaging a horrendous 14.20 with a highest score of 29 from his five innings. Babar's form is an unforeseen concern for Pakistan leading into the high-voltage India clash as the Asian giants try to rewrite the history books against the neighbours. 

Watson Expects Babar To Come Out Firing in Ahmedabad 

While the dip in Babar's performances has been a worry for Pakistan, former allrounder Watson reckons the elegant right-hander is one innings away from regaining his best mojo.

"Look, he's a class player. Yes, he's had a bit of a dry spell, Uh, five innings of less than 30 runs. So it's the first time he's done that since 2019. You know that things aren't going that well, if you when that happens," Watson told Star Sports. 

The ex-cricketer insisted that the first couple of deliveries at the crease will be crucial for Babar against India's pace battery led by Jasprit Bumrah. If the right-hander can shed his nervy state and come out unscathed against the new ball, Watson said he could be on his way to a substantial score. 

"So, um, Babar Azam, even the first couple of balls that he faced, you can see he's getting in really good positions," he added. "He's a world class batter. He's gonna absolutely ready to go against India. Sometimes you're just not so much out of touch because he's not even more badly you just out of runs."

Babar will be next seen in action against arch-rivals India on October 14, in Pakistan's third game of the World Cup.