'Babar Azam Needs To...': Ramiz Raja Talks About Pakistan's Horrific Test Loss vs AUS
Babar Azam has had challenging year in terms of his performance for his team (Twitter)
In the aftermath of Pakistan's staggering 360-run loss to Australia in the first Test, former cricketer Ramiz Raja dissected the team's challenges in a comprehensive analysis on his YouTube channel. Raja pinpointed key areas for improvement, advocating for strategic enhancements in leadership, batting, and bowling.
Addressing captain Shan Masood, Raja underscored the necessity of hard work and urged him to make a compelling statement with his bat. According to Raja, Masood's performance is crucial for establishing authority within the team and confronting the opposition effectively. He said:
"Shan Masood needs hard work as a captain, as a leader, because this is going to be tough series for him. Until he gives a statement with his bat, he won't be able to establish himself in the dressing room or on the opposition."
Ramiz on Encouraging Ex-Captain Babar Azam
Acknowledging the challenges of captaincy transition, Raja emphasized the importance of supporting and encouraging Babar Azam to maintain peak performance levels. Raja highlighted the psychological impact of relinquishing the captaincy and stressed the need for boosting Azam's morale.
"Similarly, Babar Azam needs to be seated and encouraged because when captaincy is taken away from you, you tend to go low [on motivation]," he further added.
In terms of bowling, Raja called for a transformation in the role of Shaheen Afridi, urging him to emerge as a leader in the bowling department. Raja emphasized the significance of creating a lasting impression, especially in Australian conditions, and becoming the driving force in the team's bowling lineup.
"Shaheen Afridi needs to come out as a lethal bowler. It's not that he plays as a filler. Conditions in Australia are much better. If you can't create magic, especially in Perth, then your established impression in this circuit gets hurt. He needs to become the leader of the pack."
Additionally, Raja advocated for a reassessment of Sarfaraz Ahmed's role in facing top-paced bowling in Australian conditions. He called for a quick decision on whether to play Sarfaraz for his all-round abilities or opt for Rizwan, who excels against pace bowling.
Raja's insights shed light on the multifaceted challenges confronting the Pakistani cricket team, providing a roadmap for improvement in leadership, batting, and bowling as they navigate a demanding series against Australia.
 "Muskaan Bhatt")
