Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s new coach for white-ball cricket, recently came forward to express his unwavering support for Babar Azam, the team’s captain, amidst a wave of criticism from Pakistani supporters.
In a recent interview with TalkSport Cricket, Kirsten commended Babar’s outstanding cricketing prowess and underscored his pivotal role within the team. He stressed the necessity of alleviating the burden on Babar’s shoulders, allowing him to unleash his innate talent without the weight of undue pressure.
“Babar has shown remarkable prowess as a cricketer and shoulders a significant portion of the team’s responsibilities. As a coaching staff, our aim is to lighten that load and help him understand that he’s just one part of a cohesive unit. By doing so, he can liberate himself to play freely and showcase his natural abilities. We witnessed glimpses of this in the recent game against Ireland, where he delivered a stellar performance. Our goal is to see more of this Babar Azam, unencumbered by the feeling of constantly having to carry the team,” Kirsten explained.
Moreover, Gary Kirsten outlined his strategy to foster a team environment where multiple players are empowered to step up and contribute match-winning performances.
“It’s unfair to place such immense pressure on any single player. However, we believe we can unlock the potential of the entire team, creating a scenario where numerous players can make significant contributions, particularly in T20 cricket. This approach will alleviate the pressure on Babar, allowing him to focus on his role as captain. I look forward to nurturing this relationship between captain and coach,” he added.
The victory in the three-match T20I series against Ireland holds significance for the Men in Green, marking their first bilateral T20I series win since December 2021 when they emerged victorious against West Indies.
As the team gears up for the upcoming World Cup in 2024, their next challenge lies in a four-match T20I series against England, commencing on 22nd May. This series presents an opportunity for Pakistan to further solidify their preparations and build momentum ahead of the prestigious tournament.
In conclusion, Gary Kirsten’s endorsement of Babar Azam not only underscores the captain’s invaluable contribution to the team but also highlights the coach’s commitment to nurturing a collective team spirit, essential for success in international cricket.
