Can't survive in T20Is: Shahid Afridi's initial thoughts on Babar Azam

Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, in an interview with Zainab Abbas on Sunday, revealed that he initially believed that Pakistan’s prolific batsman Babar Azam could only survive in Tests and One-day Internationals (ODIs) but not in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

The 40-year-old claimed that Babar’s hard work and the ability to develop new shots led to his eventual rise in the world of cricket.

“I thought Babar Azam would survive in Tests and ODIs but not in T20Is. This was my opinion. But the way that guy has polished and groomed himself. The shots he plays. It depends on the goals you set yourself. It is always hard work. I can’t just keep thinking that I want to be like AB de Velliers or Virat Kohli. If you don’t work hard enough it can never be possible. In order to achieve any goal you always have to work hard,” Afridi said.

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Afridi named all-rounders Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim as the players he likes in the current side.

“Some players in the team right now, like Shadab, I really like. He has the ability to be a good all-rounder for the team. I like Hasan Ali a lot. I hope he regains fitness soon. I think Imad Wasim can be a very good all-rounder as well. Being a good all-rounder means that these guys can win Pakistan many matches. An all-rounder has a lot of value in any side,” he said.

Afridi represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20Is through his long and illustrious career.