Basit Ali applauds Gary Kirsten for backing Babar Azam

Former cricketer Basit Ali praised the newly-appointed head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Gary Kirsten, for his supportive approach towards captain Babar Azam's natural game.

On his YouTube channel, Basit lauded Kirsten’s remarks, calling them a “too-good-statement.” He highlighted Kirsten's commitment to allowing Babar to play his natural game. 

"Kirsten, who has not even joined the team, has said that he will not try to change Babar Azam. He wants the captain to play as he is and that is what Babar needs," Basit said.

Basit further advised Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to learn as much as they can from Kirsten, given his expertise as a top-order batter. 

“Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman should learn from Kirsten as much as they can because Kirsten was an amazing top-order batter and he can teach a lot to these two batters," he further added.

Moreover, Basit suggested that if Babar could refine certain techniques, he would surpass all other top-order batters in the world. 

“Babar Azam needs to learn how to hit the ball in the middle of the wicket more. If Babar learns this, he will leave all the other top-order batters in the world behind,” he stated.

It is worth noting that Kirsten had recently commented on Babar, noting that he carries a significant burden for the team and the coaching staff would try to lift that burden a little bit.

The Pakistan cricket team is set to play a four-match T20I series against England before the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 begins in June. The series will take place from May 22nd to May 30th.

Kirsten will officially join the squad on May 19 in Leeds, marking the start of his two-year tenure as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach.