Babar Azam, the veteran Pakistani batsman and former Pakistan cricket team captain, has been struggling to find form in white-ball cricket, particularly in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His recent performances have sparked criticism from fans and experts, questioning his batting technique and consistency.
Despite being one of the most stylish batters in modern cricket, Babar Azam’s lean patch has raised concerns. However, two legendary Indian cricketers, Sunil Gavaskar and Navjot Singh Sidhu, have come forward with valuable advice and emotional support to help Babar Azam regain his form.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Technical Advice for Babar Azam
Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, known for his sharp cricketing insights, has pointed out a technical flaw in Babar Azam’s batting technique that could be affecting his ability to score runs in Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking on former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali’s YouTube channel, Gavaskar analyzed Babar’s stance and offered a crucial suggestion:
“Babar Azam’s batting stance is quite wide. This affects his foot movement, making it difficult for him to move forward or backward effectively.”
Gavaskar’s advice to Babar Azam is to narrow his stance slightly, which will allow him to react better to different types of deliveries. He emphasized that footwork adjustment is key to regaining form in high-pressure tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“By lowering his stance, Babar can improve his positioning and shot selection. If he plays well, not only Pakistan but the whole world enjoys watching his cover drive.”
He also recalled Babar Azam’s stunning cover drive against India in Champions Trophy 2025, highlighting how Babar Azam’s best shots bring joy to cricket fans worldwide.
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s Emotional Support for Babar Azam
While Gavaskar focused on technical improvements, Navjot Singh Sidhu provided moral support for Babar Azam, sharing a powerful story to emphasize the importance of backing players during tough times.
Sidhu narrated:
“There was a powerful general accused of treason by his king and tied to a peepal tree. People were ordered to throw stones at him, but he did not cry. Then, his own soldiers—whom he had trained—came forward. Instead of throwing stones, one soldier picked up a flower and threw it at the general. That’s when he started crying.”
When asked why he didn’t cry when strangers threw stones but felt emotional when his men threw flowers, the general replied:
“Strangers’ stones did not hurt me. But when my own people threw flowers, it broke my heart.”
Sidhu used this analogy to urge Pakistani fans to support Babar Azam instead of criticizing him during his bad form in the Champions Trophy 2025.
“Babar Azam is human. Let him play in peace. Even legends like Virat Kohli have gone through bad patches. He has scored so many runs for you. Support your hero instead of throwing stones.”
His message resonated with many Pakistan cricket fans, who are now showing support for Babar Azam on social media.
Babar Azam’s Recent Struggles in Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been challenging for Babar Azam, with low scores and early dismissals becoming a concern. Cricket analysts have pointed out issues with his strike rate, shot selection, and ability to rotate the strike in high-pressure matches.
Possible Reasons for Babar Azam’s Poor Form
- Batting stance issue: As Sunil Gavaskar pointed out, Babar Azam’s wide stance may be affecting his foot movement.
- The pressure of captaincy: As the Pakistan cricket team’s key player, the pressure to perform in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025 can affect mental composure.
- Pitch conditions in Pakistan: The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has offered tough conditions for batsmen, making stroke play difficult.
Despite these struggles, Babar Azam’s recent form does not define his long-term potential. Like Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and other greats, Babar Azam can bounce back with the right adjustments.
How Can Babar Azam Overcome His Slump?
1. Implement Gavaskar’s Technical Advice
- Narrow his stance to improve foot movement and shot execution.
- Work on playing spin better, as he has struggled against quality spinners in recent matches.
2. Focus on Mental Strength
- Ignore social media criticism and focus on improving performance on the field.
- Stay positive, as every great cricketer faces ups and downs.
3. Gain Confidence Through Smaller Innings
- Instead of aiming for big scores, focus on building partnerships and rotating the strike.
- A few 40-50 run innings could help him regain confidence.
4. Trust His Natural Game
- Babar Azam’s cover drive is one of the best in the world. He should trust his instincts and play freely.
Final Thoughts: A Test of Character for Babar Azam
Babar Azam’s struggles in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are temporary, and with the right adjustments, he can return stronger. Sunil Gavaskar’s technical insights and Navjot Singh Sidhu’s emotional support highlight two crucial elements: correcting mistakes and staying mentally strong.
As Pakistan’s top batter, Babar Azam’s performance will be crucial in upcoming matches. Pakistan cricket fans must stand by him, knowing that form is temporary, but class is permanent.
FAQs
1. Why is Babar Azam struggling in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Babar Azam is struggling due to a wide batting stance, affecting his foot movement and ability to rotate the strike.
2. What advice did Sunil Gavaskar give to Babar Azam?
Gavaskar suggested lowering his stance to improve foot movement and better adjust to deliveries.
3. How did Navjot Singh Sidhu support Babar Azam?
Sidhu shared a story, emphasizing that Babar Azam needs fan support instead of criticism during tough times.
4. What are the reasons for Babar Azam’s poor form?
Babar’s poor form is due to a wide stance, the pressure of captaincy, and challenging pitch conditions.
5. Can Babar Azam bounce back?
Yes, with technical adjustments and mental focus, Babar can regain his form and perform well.