I want Babar Azam to become a legendary cricketer: Younis Khan

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Pakistan’s newly-appointed batting coach Younis Khan wants Babar Azam to become a legendary cricketer but also believes that it is unfair to compare him with India’s captain Virat Kohli.

While speaking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Khan said that he wants Azam to play a major role in Pakistan’s victories.

“It is unfair to compare Babar Azam with Virat Kohli because the latter has been playing international cricket for more than a decade. Meanwhile, Babar has only played for 4-5 years,” said Khan. “We need to give Babar space and don’t bring him under pressure of expectations. I want Babar to become a legendary cricketer and lead his team to victories.

He also spoke about his appointment as Pakistan’s batting coach and the warm welcome he has received from everyone.

“It’s a blessing that I’m getting a warm welcome from everyone and I’m happy to work in this environment,” he said. “Also the tour of England is an important one because everyone will be closely following the series which is why I’m keen on making a difference through my experience.”

“Since past couple of days, I have been thinking about to effectively serve in this role and make my country proud. Just like in a movie when a hero returns and performs which leads to a happy ending,” he added.

He also brushed aside the notion that there will be a clash of personalities, due to presence of big names in the coaching staff.

“I don’t think there will be a clash of personalities because I have worked and played with the current coaching staff in the past and we understand each other really well. So working together will benefit the team rather than the other way round,” he said.

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Younis, who has been appointed as batting coach for the England tour only, also said that he wants to prove himself before getting an extended contract.

“I want to prove myself first and if I can do that I’m hopeful that I will be rewarded with an extended contract,” he said. “I’m lucky to share the dressing room with players again bearing in mind the fact that only two to three years have passed since my retirement.”        

He also called for resumption of Indo-Pak cricket while also stressing on the impact it had on his career.

“Pakistan and India need to play bilateral series on a regular basis because fans, on both sides of the border love seeing them play,” he said. “My career trajectory completely changed after 2005 series against India, where I was able to perform really well. It helped me land a county contract as well.”

Watch complete interview here: