Babar Azam, a rising star in international cricket, is facing challenges prior to the Asia Cup 2023. Regarded as a prominent cricket expert favorite for his technique and often compared to Virat Kohli, Babar Azam finds himself in a difficult situation before the upcoming Asia Cup.
His recent troubles, particularly during his time in Sri Lanka, have raised concerns about his form and technique.
Babar’s Dilemma in Sri Lanka:
During his stay in Sri Lanka, Babar Azam has encountered significant setbacks. His usually dependable technique has been questioned, and his performance has taken a hit. This decline in Babar’s form has sparked worries for Pakistan while offering a potential advantage to Team India in the Asia Cup.
Struggles with Technique:
Babar’s technique has come under scrutiny during his time in Sri Lanka. There has been a noticeable shift in his approach, and the level of performance he was known for has diminished. The challenges he has faced in Sri Lanka have been daunting and have the potential to shake the confidence of any batsman.
Below-Par Performance in Sri Lanka:
Babar’s bat has remained silent in Sri Lanka, with a mere two successful outings out of ten attempts. His struggles began with the Test series against Sri Lanka, where he failed to register a single half-century in both matches. Scoring only 13 and 24 runs in Galle and 39 runs in Colombo, respectively, he couldn’t replicate his usual prowess.
Lankan Premier League Setback:
Even in the Lankan Premier League, Babar’s performance didn’t improve. Joining the Colombo Strikers, he managed a mere 7 runs in his debut match. While he did secure a half-century later, his strike rate remained concerning, dampening his impact.
Brief Success Followed by Continuous Failures:
After a century on August 7, optimism returned for Babar Azam, but it was short-lived. His subsequent four innings saw him struggle, amassing only 50 runs. Unfortunately, his team, Colombo Strikers, couldn’t make it to the playoffs and finished at the bottom of the points table.
Identifying Babar Azam’s Weaknesses:
Babar’s vulnerability to fast bowlers has been apparent, as he fell to fast bowlers in four of his Lankan Premier League matches. Slip fielders and wicketkeepers also capitalized on his difficulties, dismissing him twice and once, respectively. His strike rate remained below 120 in six matches, with three instances below 100.
Potential Threats from Indian Bowlers:
In the face of Babar’s struggles, India’s pace bowling lineup poses a significant challenge. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Mohammad Shami excel in varying their deliveries. Furthermore, Babar has struggled against the bowling of Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has dismissed him twice.
India’s bowlers will likely study Babar’s performance in the Lankan Premier League to devise a strategy for the Asia Cup.
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Asia Cup Advantage for India:
While it’s true that the Asia Cup will be played in the ODI format, different from the T20 format of the Lankan Premier League, the significance of form remains constant. Regardless of the format, a lack of batting form can hamper a player’s ability to score runs effectively.
Babar’s ongoing batting errors could provide Team India with an opportunity to capitalize during the Asia Cup.
Babar Azam’s recent struggles, particularly during his time in Sri Lanka, have raised concerns about his form and technique. His difficulties in facing fast bowlers and spinners are evident, and Team India’s skilled bowlers could take advantage of these weaknesses during the Asia Cup.
The ODI format may be different, but batting form remains crucial, and Babar’s current struggles could play to India’s advantage.
Explore the intriguing battle between Babar Azam and India’s bowling lineup as the Asia Cup approaches. Analyze his vulnerabilities against pace and spin, and learn how Indian bowlers like Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami might exploit these weaknesses to gain an edge in the tournament.
