Babar must stamp his authority as captain, says Younis
MANCHESTER: Pakistan batting coach Younis Khan has said that Babar Azam needs to stamp his authority on the white-ball teams.
The former Pakistan captain — who retired as the country’s leading run-getter in Test cricket with 10,099 runs from 118 matches — says that the young captain needs to block out the noise of those around him and determine his own path as the leader of Pakistan.
Younis observed that while those trying to help mean well, the constant stream of advice and recommendations can be overwhelming.
“It can get difficult for a captain when he is receiving so much advice and also suggestions on the field as well. Whether the suggestions are coming from off the field or from inside the field, it’s meant for the betterment of the team,” Younis said in a virtual media conference at Old Trafford on Monday.
“My advice to Babar is that as a leader is to try and take your own decisions; He should not be afraid of taking his decisions even if they are incorrect because you can always learn from those mistakes,” he added.
Younis was part of the Pakistan team not too long ago and says that he has enjoyed his first tour as an assistant coach under Misbah-ul-Haq.
“If given the opportunity, I would like to continue as the batting coach of the team,” Younis said.
Younis joked that he had helped veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez with his golf swing and Test leg-spinner Yasir Shah with his hairstyle in a tour packed with coaching milestones.
“I’ve been working with all the boys on this tour in any way I can. I’ve even helped Hafeez on his golf swing and Yasir on his hairstyle. This way I can get close to the players and work on their weaknesses,” he said.
Younis was also full of praise for wicket-keeper/batsman Mohammad Rizwan who has emerged as the find of a difficult tour for Pakistan.
“Watching Rizwan was the happiest moment on tour because after long time, we saw a wicket-keeper performing in England,” he said.
Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2020
