Babar also addressed the team's unity, asserting that they always play as a cohesive unit and work to improve after losses
25 April, 2024
PHOTO: PCB
Pakistan captain Babar Azam discussed the team's ongoing T20I series against New Zealand on Wednesday, stating that the primary goal of the series is to experiment and establish a solid team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, which will be hosted by the US and West Indies.
"The basic motive behind this series is to do experiments in order to form a good combination and on the top four slots we will try to give enough chances to players who are going to World Cup,” Babar said.
Babar emphasized that all decisions regarding the team are made in consultation with the players and that clear communication is essential to improve the team's performance.
“And if we switch over any player to a different spot, we will do it by discussing with him. Everything is happening through proper understanding and communication. Every player is being taken into confidence and our motive is to raise the country’s performance graph," he further added.
Babar also stated that criticism will not affect their plans.
"We prefer those things which can benefit the team and the country. It’s my motive and stand and I believe in it,” Babar said.
Regarding the players' fitness, Babar mentioned that challenges and injuries are part of the game and the team takes measures to manage them.
“We passed through tough and consistent cricket. Whenever you are on a tour you make such a schedule that you will work on fitness and skills. Look, it’s part of the game,” Babar said.
“Injuries are part of the game but we try to look after every player. A camp always helps you in fitness and mental health. It never happened to me or any other that we did not focus on fitness,"he further added.
Babar spoke highly of Mohammad Rizwan's contributions to the team and noted that his injury is being carefully managed.
“The entire team missed Rizwan. The way he has served the team and the nation is before you. He is a fighter and always tries to give his best. His injury is not of any major concern but as a precautionary measure we want to save him and he will undergo rehab in NCA and he will be properly looked after. I hope he will be ready before the Ireland series and inshaAllah he will be available soon,” Babar said.
Asked about his batting position, Babar said that his role would depend on the team's strategy and plan for each game. He emphasized the need for every player to contribute to the team's success.
“If we are to go with a different mindset and with a different plan and yes, it is also possible to try different players on that spot. We did not lose the previous game due to one or two players; we lost that as a team. Besides batting and bowling we also made mistakes in fielding and had we done well in that area it could have been a different game. It is not right to blame any player as we lose as a team and we win as a team,” Babar said.
Babar also acknowledged that Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are two of the team's best bowlers and highlighted their ability to make a strong comeback when needed.
“Shaheen and Naseem are the best bowlers and they know how to make a comeback. If they misfire in a game so it happens. There should be a contribution of every player and if any one does not perform others should make it up,” Babar said.
Babar also addressed the team's unity, asserting that they always play as a cohesive unit and work to improve after losses.
“Our bonding is good. Yes, when we lose, we discuss the merits and demerits and it further strengthens our bonding as a team,” he concluded.
