Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has urged wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan to enhance his mental resilience and stay focused amidst harsh criticism over his fitness and form. Despite showcasing his impressive skills at the domestic level, Azam has faced significant challenges in international cricket.
The 25-year-old has an average of just 9.77 and a strike rate of 135.38, with a highest score of only 30 in 13 T20Is. Azam struggled significantly in the recent series against England before the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Selection Despite Criticism
Despite his poor form, Azam was included in the 15-member Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup, sparking criticism from skeptics. Speaking on a local sports channel, Misbah highlighted that even top-tier players like Virat Kohli are not immune to criticism.
“If there are no performances, criticism will come and even a player like Virat Kohli gets criticised. He (Azam Khan) needs to get mentally stronger and criticism will come but he should just stay focused for the longer run,” Misbah emphasized.
Challenges Behind the Stumps
Azam, the son of former Pakistan wicket-keeping great Moin Khan, has also struggled behind the stumps, particularly in the recent series against England. Since debuting for Pakistan in 2021, his inconsistent form has left his position in the team uncertain.
Misbah on Discipline and Fitness
“I have observed that the discipline he had in the past has been given up,” Misbah remarked, critiquing Azam Khan’s current fitness level. Azam’s weight and training regimen have come under scrutiny from both experts and fans in recent months.
Despite these issues, Azam boasts an impressive record in domestic T20s, scoring over 3,000 runs at an average of almost 25 and a strike rate of 148.03 in 165 games. Misbah acknowledged this, adding, “There was a time when he reduced his weight, did training and delivered performances. Nowadays, I have observed that the discipline he had in the past has been given up and I can see that he has increased his body weight. So, he also needs to think about it.”
Current Match Situation
Azam is currently part of Pakistan’s playing XI in their ongoing match against co-hosts USA in Dallas. At the time of writing, Babar Azam’s team is struggling at 30/3 at the end of the powerplay, with Azam Khan slated to bat next.
Misbah’s advice to Azam Khan underscores the importance of mental toughness and discipline in international cricket, crucial for young players facing the pressures of the global stage.
