Younis Khan Criticizes Babar Azam, Urges Him to Learn from Virat Kohli’s Leadership Example
New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricket legend Younis Khan has publicly criticized current captain Babar Azam and several other Pakistani players, accusing them of prioritizing personal milestones over the team’s success. Younis, known for his candid views, expressed his disappointment with Babar’s leadership and form, pointing out that the star batter hasn’t managed a half-century in his last 16 Test innings.
In a statement that has sparked debates in the cricket world, Younis remarked, “Humare players khelte kam, bolte zyada hain”—meaning, “Our players talk more and perform less.” He highlighted a growing concern that top players are falling short of delivering results on the field, despite their verbal commitments.
Younis Khan urged Babar Azam to take inspiration from India’s cricket superstar Virat Kohli. Drawing a comparison, Younis praised Kohli for his selfless decision to step down from captaincy to focus solely on his batting, which in turn led to a series of record-breaking performances. “Look at Virat Kohli,” Younis said, “He stepped down from captaincy on his own terms and now he’s shattering records globally. This is an example that playing for the country should come first. If there’s any energy left, then you can play for yourself.”
Babar Azam Under Scrutiny
Babar Azam has been under mounting pressure due to his recent poor form and his leadership. Younis emphasized that Babar was appointed as captain because of his consistent performances and leadership qualities at the time. However, with expectations now sky-high, Younis believes it’s critical for Babar to prioritize his fitness and focus on his responsibilities as captain.
Younis also pointed out that such opportunities come rarely, urging Babar to seize this moment to establish himself as one of the greats. “He was made captain because he was the best player. Now, he must show why that decision was correct by delivering both as a captain and as a top-order batter,” Younis added.
Learning from Kohli’s Approach
In Virat Kohli’s case, his decision to relinquish captaincy was seen as a turning point. Younis praised how Kohli shifted his focus solely to his batting, which eventually helped him break numerous records and return to his peak form. Kohli is currently preparing for India’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh, beginning on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test in Kanpur on September 27.
As Babar Azam continues to face criticism, Younis Khan’s remarks serve as a stern reminder that the expectations from a captain extend beyond individual performance—they are about leading the team to success. Whether Babar heeds this advice remains to be seen, but the cricket world is watching closely.