Babar Azam is technically strong batsman – praises Ricky Ponting

• Babar Azam won two major ICC awards this year.
• Ricky Ponting says he may become Pakistan’s “all-time greatest”.
• Ponting was speaking on the current episode of The ICC Review.

Ricky Ponting, a former Australian captain, praised Babar Azam, the star hitter who won two major ICC men’s cricket awards, saying he is on a “upward curve” and may become Pakistan’s “all-time greatest.”

Pakistan skipper Babar, who had a spectacular year with the bat in all three forms, won the ICC ODI Men’s Cricketer of the Year Award on Thursday before claiming the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2022.

Ponting heaped praise on Babar on the current episode of The ICC Review, citing his solid foundation and versatility as qualities that contributed to his stratospheric ascent across all formats.

“Technically, he’s really strong,” stated the two-time World Cup champion captain, according to ICC.

“He bowls spin very well, fast bowls very well, and he’s been able to adapt to different circumstances across the world – which is what distinguishes the great players from the good players.”

“The best players are also mentally powerful. You only have to look at when he plays, how long he bats for in Test matches, how he manages the innings in one-day games, and how he has the capacity to go up and down the gears as a batter as the game and situation require.”

Ponting, on the other hand, stated that the right-handed batter was likely not at his top, adding that “most batters come into their prime in the early thirties.”

“You’re sort of working on your game and enhancing your game until a certain point. That’s all for most males. Take a look at where Steve Smith and (David) Warner have gone. Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and others in their early thirties are probably playing as well as they have ever played.

“So I think Babar’s still got a little bit of improvement to come, which is a really terrifying concept with what he’s been able to do, pretty much across all three formats over the last three, four years. I really enjoy watching him play. I believe there is room for development; let us hope so.”

The 28-year-old, who has been at the top of the ODI rankings since July 2021, is among the top five players in each format, and his steady play earned him a spot on the ICC Test Team of the Year in addition to his two-year reign as ICC ODI Team of the Year leader.

With the added responsibility of leading the team in all three formats, Babar’s remarkable hitting class is much more than simply the numbers.

Under Babar’s direction, Pakistan won 14 of of 26 games through 2022, including eight of nine ODI victories. Last year, he also guided his team to the T20 World Cup final.

Ponting thought Babar needed to work on several aspects of his captaincy, particularly his capacity for handling stress during tight situations.

“He appeared a little flustered at times at the T20 World Cup, particularly the game against India when things became really tight at the end,” Ponting added, conceding that “being a captain of the T20 team is never an easy thing to do.”

“I’m confident he’ll find the perfect approach to lead and be a very successful captain of Pakistan with a bit more experience under his belt, like he’s done with his batting,” he continued.

Furthermore, the ex-Australian captain believes that the Pakistan captain would be remembered as one of the best cricketers Pakistan has ever produced by the time he retires.

Also Read

David Warner should be realistic and looking to the future, says Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting urges David Warner to be realistic in terms of his...