- Babar Azam’s Remarkable Wristwork and Finesse Earns Praise from Afridi
- Afridi Ranks Babar Above Kohli and Smith for Cover Drive Excellence
Shahid Afridi, the former all-rounder of the Pakistan cricket team, has showered praise on his country’s captain, Babar Azam, for having the best cover drive in the world. Known for his remarkable wristwork and batting finesse, Babar Azam has gained recognition and admiration both domestically and internationally.
Shahid Afridi, who is known for his straightforward and honest opinions, chose Babar over India’s Virat Kohli and Australia’s Steve Smith, who are also renowned for their cover drives. When asked to rank the cover drives of Babar, Kohli, and Smith, Afridi promptly responded, “Babar Azam, Virat [Kohli], and then [Steve] Smith.” He went on to heap praise on the 28-year-old batter, stating, “Babar plays a beautiful cover drive.”
Shahid Afridi’s sentiments about Babar’s cover drive are shared by other cricket legends as well. English cricket icon Nasser Hussain and former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene have also commended Babar’s technique.
When asked about the best cover drive in the world, Hussain stated, “I have also talked about the one Kohli plays, but Babar’s cover drive is totally exceptional.” Similarly, Jayawardene had no hesitation in choosing Babar as his preferred player when responding to the same question.
Babar Azam’s impressive skills with the cover drive have caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, and his technique has been widely praised. His ability to time the ball perfectly and find the gaps consistently sets him apart as one of the finest batters in contemporary cricket.
In addition to Shahid Afridi’s praise, there is also speculation about the influence of Pakistan team’s director, Mickey Arthur, on Babar Azam’s development as a player. Afridi has previously claimed that Azam is following Arthur’s advice, and this has contributed to his success.
Pakistan recently won a five-match ODI series against New Zealand on home soil, with Babar playing a pivotal role in the team’s victory. Afridi commented, “We always talk about giving players a chance, and they have been given a chance. I think at the moment, Mickey and his management team are controlling all these things.” He further mentioned that Babar is currently following the guidance provided by the management, coaches, and captain in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
Mickey Arthur, who is part of the coaching staff for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, as well as the away tour to Australia and home series against the West Indies, is expected to play a significant role in shaping Pakistan’s cricketing strategies. His expertise and guidance will be crucial in preparing the team for the World Cup and other important matches, including those against arch-rivals India in the ACC Asia Cup.
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With the backing of respected figures like Afridi and the guidance of Mickey Arthur, Babar Azam’s career is on an upward trajectory. His exceptional cover drive, combined with his overall batting prowess, has established him as one of the most promising and talented cricketers in the world. As he continues to hone his skills, Babar Azam is set to leave an indelible mark on the sport and inspire future generations of cricketers.
