• Sportzyverse
• T20 World Cup 2024
• 06/07/2024
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The pressure is mounting as Babar Azam gears up to lead Pakistan in their T20 World Cup opener against co-hosts United States. Despite being the only Pakistan skipper to have beaten India at a major tournament, Babar’s leadership is under scrutiny. Freshly reinstated as captain, Babar faces significant challenges ahead of Pakistan’s curtain-raiser in Dallas and the subsequent high-stakes clash with arch-rivals India.

Babar’s Leadership Under the Microscope

Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has voiced concerns over Babar’s captaincy, suggesting that the young leader has much to learn, particularly from seasoned Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Latif, speaking to PTI, highlighted the immense pressure Babar will face, especially in the game against India on June 9. “The focus is on the game on June 9 against India. Babar will be under a lot of pressure because of the game against India rather than performing in the World Cup,” Latif said.

Latif emphasized the need for Babar to handle pressure better, drawing comparisons with Kohli and Sharma. “But he has to learn to carry pressure, he should learn that from Virat and Rohit. They know how to carry the game. As a batter, Babar is one of the best but as a captain and leader, there’s a lot that he needs to learn,” he added.

India and Pakistan’s storied rivalry dates back to the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where they met twice, including in the final. The two teams have faced off in subsequent editions in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, and 2022. Latif believes that India holds the upper hand in their upcoming encounter, pointing to their current form and depth in the squad.

India’s Favourites Tag

Latif has tagged India as favourites for the T20 World Cup, particularly highlighting spinner Kuldeep Yadav as a key player. Despite being overlooked in the match against Ireland, Kuldeep’s potential impact remains significant. “Kuldeep Yadav is that one player who, if he remains fit for India throughout the World Cup, can cause trouble for batters. He is India’s key bowler and also a key to success,” Latif stated.

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Latif also pointed out the turmoil within the Pakistan team following their ODI World Cup campaign, including changes in captaincy and the selection committee. “The Pakistan team plays well in the ICC tournaments but the team doesn’t look as prepared as they were in 2021 and 2022. The damage happened after the last ODI World Cup with changes in captaincy, the selection committee, and players,” he concluded.

As Pakistan prepares to face the USA and India, the spotlight will be on Babar Azam. While his batting prowess is undeniable, his leadership will be crucial in navigating the pressures of a World Cup campaign. With veterans like Latif urging him to draw lessons from Kohli and Sharma, Babar’s ability to lead Pakistan through these challenging fixtures will be pivotal.