Afridi Takes Aim at Babar: “Look at Rohit Sharma, Then Look at Babar”

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has sparked a fiery debate after taking a direct shot at Babar Azam’s batting style, urging him to learn from Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. In a recent interview, Afridi claimed Babar’s technique is “weak” and that he needs to adopt a more aggressive approach, citing Rohit’s success as an example.

“Look at Rohit Sharma’s game and style,” Afridi stated, his voice laced with conviction. “He has an aggressive mindset and plays with a lot of freedom. Babar, on the other hand, seems to be hesitant and lacks that killer instinct.”

Afridi’s comments haven’t gone down well with many, especially those who see Babar as Pakistan’s batting cornerstone. While Babar holds a strong record, averaging a respectable 48.23 in ODIs and 50.52 in T20Is, Afridi’s criticism points towards a perceived weakness in his game: a lack of aggression.

Case Study: Rohit Sharma vs Babar Azam

To understand Afridi’s point, let’s analyze their respective performances in a key format: T20Is.

• Rohit Sharma: Averaging 32.92 with a strike rate of 140.99, Rohit has scored 3,939 runs in 152 T20Is. He holds the record for most centuries in T20Is with four, highlighting his ability to dominate bowlers and set the pace of the game.

• Babar Azam: With an average of 40.88 and a strike rate of 126.67, Babar has scored 3,121 runs in 99 T20Is. While impressive, his strike rate falls short of Rohit’s, indicating a more cautious approach.

The Debate: Is Aggressiveness the Key?

Afridi’s call for Babar to embrace a more aggressive style is debatable. While Rohit’s success is undeniable, one can argue that Babar’s consistency and ability to anchor the innings are equally crucial.

The ultimate answer lies in analyzing each player’s role within the team and the demands of the game situation. However, Afridi’s pointed criticism has certainly reignited a discussion about the ideal batting style in modern cricket, highlighting the importance of adaptability and the constant need for evolution in the dynamic world of the bat and ball.