3 Major Problems To Address For Babar Azam As Pakistan's Test Captain

3 Major Problems To Address For Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

In a big development, Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan’s Test captain ahead of the West Indies series. He will replace Shan Masood, who has been sacked following a series of disappointing losses.

Azam previously quit all-format captaincy following Pakistan’s group-stage exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup. But now, three years later, the men in green are still miserable.

Their Test form went down significantly under Masood’s leadership, and the PCB were desperate for a change. But due to a lack of better alternatives, they had to turn back to Babar on the basis of seniority and experience.

Having said that, the second stint as Test captain won’t be an easy job for Babar Azam. Here are three things he must fix immediately to help Pakistan grow as a Test nation.

3 issues Babar Azam must fix immediately as Pakistan's Test captain

1. Figure out a winning formula overseas

(Pakistan in Shan Masood's captaincy)

Under Shan Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan began winning at home by preparing spin-friendly conditions. Players like Noman Ali and Sajid Khan benefited from this strategy as they won games single-handedly.

However, on the seaming decks overseas, Pakistan often looked completely out of ideas. The batters struggled against the moving ball, while the bowlers failed to adapt to foreign conditions. 

As a result, Pakistan continued to suffer heavy defeats away, registering seven defeats in as many overseas Tests under Shan Masood. 

This was one of the key reasons behind their decline in red-ball cricket. Hence, Babar Azam must figure out a winning formula for overseas tours. The West Indies series is the perfect opportunity for Pakistan to execute their plans.

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Babar Azam has significant experience and knows the conditions in the Windies well. Hence, there is no one better suited than him to come up with a new strategy to win overseas.

2. Improve the dressing room environment

Babar Azam must also address the off-field matters. For the longest time, the Pakistan dressing room has looked divided. Rumours of rifts, fights, outbursts and dissent have become a norm. 

The seniors are reportedly not getting along well with the juniors, and internal politics has deeply affected their performance on the field. Hence, Babar Azam, as captain, must ensure that everyone is on the same page.

The seniors must get the respect they deserve, and they should also ensure that the juniors are welcomed and groomed well without any feeling of insecurity or jealousy.

When the dressing room is in harmony, the on-field results will automatically improve over time, as building unity and accountability are as important as improving tactics on the field.

3. Selection based on merit

Babar Azam, as Pakistan’s Test captain, must remain unbiased. The squad selection should be done on merit and not on reputation. For the last couple of years, many players were unfairly given a long rope despite poor form.

Due to this, a lot of young and deserving players who did well in domestic cricket were deprived of an opportunity. Hence, that has to change. Babar shouldn’t let his personal equation influence his selection decision.

When the team's interest is kept first, results will follow. Hence, Babar Azam must address the gaps in the selection process to ensure that the people are playing at the right time and at the right spots. 

A merit-based selection policy will not only reward domestic performers but also create a healthier, more competitive team culture.

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