Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has addressed the ongoing criticism surrounding his strike rate, asserting that he adapts his gameplay according to the demands of each match. Despite holding numerous records in T20 cricket, Azam faces persistent scrutiny for what some perceive as a slow strike rate. However, the 29-year-old emphasizes that his primary focus is on winning matches for his team rather than individual statistics, highlighting the difference between building an innings and securing victories.
Azam acknowledges the need for flexibility in his approach to batting and emphasizes the importance of adapting to the evolving nature of cricket. He defends his style of play, citing the step-by-step process involved in adjusting his gameplay to suit the match situation. Azam asserts that strike rate and match-winning innings are not mutually exclusive, prioritizing the importance of having wickets in hand for playing aggressive cricket.
“Cricket is getting fast, and you have to take a step further with it. You cannot satisfy someone all the time, I am only focused on how to win matches for my team. How I have to build the innings, and how I have to maintain my strike rate, is my concern,” Azam said in a podcast.
“See, strike rate is a different story, building an innings, and winning a match are two different things. When you win a match, then both things are covered. How you have to play the first six overs, and the remaining overs, is a step-by-step process. I know my cricket, I know what I have to add, and how I have to modify my style. The thing that matters the most is the situation, if it is suitable, I will play freely.”
Despite expressing frustration with the perpetual criticism of his strike rate, Azam remains committed to his approach, criticizing the tendency to scrutinize every aspect of his gameplay. He argues against comparisons with other players, advocating for individual styles and highlighting the subjective nature of critiques regarding strike rates.
Azam’s remarks shed light on the challenges faced by modern cricketers in managing expectations and criticism. He emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and self-awareness in dealing with external scrutiny, reiterating his commitment to playing according to the demands of the game and contributing to his team’s success. He added,
“Sometimes you cannot play freely because you have to build the innings, and you have wickets in hand, you can play with a 200-strike rate as well,”
“I cannot understand why people have issues with my strike rate, they will say it is 150. It should be 170. If I play with 170, they will say it should have been 200. Every player has his own playing style, I don’t like to compare myself with anyone.”
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