Pakistan captain Babar Azam is hoping his team will carry the confidence and positive momentum gained from their recent ODI tri-series victory into the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which gets underway at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Pakistan have named a relatively inexperienced squad, featuring around eight fresh faces, as they aim to recover from an underwhelming campaign in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle and prepare for the next edition.
Babar said the team had adopted a new strategy after returning from their England tour, bringing together the experience of senior cricketers and the enthusiasm of emerging players.
“We have taken a different step and brought in different players. We are trying to find the right combination of senior and junior players so that we can give youngsters the opportunity to express themselves and perform,” Babar told a pre-match news conference on Sunday.
“We are almost out of this cycle and are looking forward to the next Test Championship cycle and preparing for it. InshaAllah, you will see a different team.”
The Pakistan skipper feels the recent ODI tri-series success could help strengthen the team’s confidence ahead of the Test assignment, even though the longer format presents different challenges.
“Whenever you win a series or a match, you definitely gain confidence. As a team and as individual players, you benefit from it. We will bring that same vibe into the Test match and will try to continue it,” he said.
“Whenever a young team comes together, it brings a different energy. I think we have that in this team, and you will see that vibe.”
Several newcomers have earned their places through impressive performances in domestic first-class cricket. Babar said his role as captain would be to help these players adjust to the international stage and contribute effectively to the team.
“There are almost eight new players, and all of them are young talents. We have selected the team based on their performances in first-class cricket,” he said.
“The selectors and coach have given us a team. My job is to get them to perform, make sure they take good decisions on the field and give their best.”
He further explained that he would concentrate on defining individual responsibilities, managing the bowling resources efficiently and preparing younger players to deal with pressure during matches.
“As a senior player, I try to guide them and share my experience. In difficult situations, when there is pressure, you can call them over and give them good advice. That is our job. We have to give them confidence,” he said.
Babar also emphasised that the team should take lessons from its recent disappointing performances and use those experiences to improve rather than remain focused on previous results.
“We will not talk about the past. We will talk about what we can learn from it, what we can bring into the future and what message we can give the young players. Our message is very clear and our approach is positive,” Babar said.
Responding to questions about his personal form and criticism from former cricketers, Babar said he was concentrating on improving his performance through consistent practice and conversations with his coaches.
“My thinking is always positive. As a player, particularly as a senior player, you always try to do your best in every match. Everyone has a different opinion,” he said.
“If you sit down and do not practise, how will you improve? I try to improve as much as I can. You learn from your mistakes and understand where you are going wrong. No player is perfect.”
He maintained that continuous training and evaluating his own performances were important parts of his development as a cricketer.
“I believe the more I play, the better I get. I always try to figure out what I can do better, why I am making mistakes and how I can improve,” he added.
Babar also clarified his involvement in team selection, reiterating that the coach and selectors had the final responsibility for choosing the squad following the England tour.
“When we returned from England, everyone saw the situation. The coach and selectors selected the team, and my job is to get the players to perform and fight for the team. The rest is not in my hands. Whatever is in my hands, I will do,” he said.
Describing the Sri Lanka series as significant for both the team and his personal goals, Babar said he was committed to delivering his best performance in every fixture.
“Every series, every match and every tournament is important to me, whether as a player or as captain. I try to give 100 per cent in every match, perform and win games. The fans have high expectations, and I prepare accordingly. The results are in God’s hands,” he said.
He also expressed his willingness to benefit from the experience of former Pakistan batting star Mohammad Yousuf. Although Babar said he had not communicated with him directly, he would welcome the opportunity to receive his guidance.
“I don’t have contact with him. I think he contacted me on social media, but not directly. If he contacts me, InshaAllah, I will learn from him. He is a legend and one of Pakistan’s best batsmen,” Babar said.
The Pakistan captain further noted that there was no fixed pattern behind his dismissals and said he preferred to accept responsibility for his mistakes and weaknesses.
“Sometimes there are different ways of getting out. It is part of the game. Whenever I get out, I believe it is my fault, my mistake or my weakness. Everyone has their own way of thinking,” he said.
