In a candid statement, Younis Khan emphasized the significance of performance over mere talk, urging Babar to take inspiration from Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
Younis Khan has recently expressed his disappointment regarding Babar Azam and other players, criticizing them for prioritizing personal achievements over team success.
He pointed out that Babar has not scored a half-century in his last 16 Test innings, which has drawn significant criticism from former players. This ongoing form slump has intensified scrutiny over Babar’s role as both a batter and a captain.
During an event, Younis emphasized that if Babar and other top players deliver on the field, the results will be evident to everyone. He mentioned, “Humare players khelte kam, bolte zyada hai” (Our players tend to talk more than they perform).
Khan specifically highlighted Virat Kohli’s decision to step down from captaincy to concentrate more on his batting as a model for Babar to emulate. He stated, “Look at Virat Kohli. He chose to step down from captaincy on his own terms, and now he’s breaking records worldwide”.
Younis reminded Babar that his appointment as captain came because he was considered the best player at the time, and therefore, there are high expectations placed upon him.
He remarked that, “The only suggestion I have for Babar is that he should focus on his cricket”. This advice underscores the pressure on Babar not only to lead but also to perform consistently.
In addition to technical skills, Khan stressed the necessity for Babar to prioritize his fitness and work ethic. He noted that “opportunities like these don’t come around often,” urging him to seize the moment and give his best performance.
This reflects Younis’ understanding of the hard work that underpins success at the highest levels of cricket.
