PAK vs BAN: Is Babar Azam feeling the pressure in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test series?

Babar Azam, the star batter and former captain of Pakistan, has been grappling with a prolonged slump in his red-ball performances. This challenging phase has persisted into the current Test series against Bangladesh, where his struggles at the crease have been evident. In the three innings he has played so far in this series, Babar's scores have been a disappointing 0, 22, and 31. This lack of substantial runs has raised concerns about his form and consistency in Test cricket. During a recent discussion, former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Dinesh Karthik shared his insights into Babar Azam's difficulties. Karthik acknowledged Babar’s exceptional talent and inherent capabilities as a player but suggested that the pressure of captaining the Pakistan side in various formats might be taking a toll on his performance in Test matches. According to Karthik, the additional responsibilities and stress associated with leading the team in different formats could be contributing to Babar's current struggles with the bat.

PAK vs BAN: Babar Azam feeling the pressure?

While Karthik has no doubts about Babar Azam’s skill and potential, he believes that the strain of managing captaincy across formats may be impacting his focus and performance in Test cricket. As Babar continues to navigate this rough patch, it remains to be seen how he will adapt and overcome the challenges to regain his previous form and lead his team effectively.

"Babar Azam as a player, nobody can doubt his quality. He's got outstanding batting potential, though I feel he's under a lot of pressure," stated former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik in a recent interview. 

In addition to discussing Babar Azam's current struggles, Dinesh Karthik also addressed a significant decision made by Pakistan during the first Test against Bangladesh, specifically regarding the timing of their declaration. Karthik offered insights into the strategic considerations that should guide such decisions in Test matches, particularly in the context of the Asian subcontinent.

Karthik emphasized the importance of carefully timing a declaration in red-ball cricket, especially in conditions typical of the Asian subcontinent, where pitches can often deteriorate and offer more assistance to bowlers as the game progresses. According to Karthik, the optimal approach usually involves declaring at a point where the team has established a substantial lead, ensuring enough time for their bowlers to exploit the conditions effectively.

He suggested that teams should aim for a declaration that balances the need for a competitive total with the practicalities of time remaining in the match. This strategy not only maximizes the chances of setting a challenging target for the opposition but also provides sufficient time for the bowlers to dismiss the opposition twice. Karthik’s advice underscored the critical nature of tactical decisions in Test cricket, where timing and strategy can significantly influence the outcome. His observations highlight the nuanced approach required for successful declarations, especially in conditions that can be unforgiving to batsmen as the game progresses.

In addition to his commentary on the match and Babar Azam's form, Dinesh Karthik also shed light on a broader issue affecting Pakistani cricket: the financial constraints impacting the development of domestic players. Karthik explained how the fiscal challenges faced by Pakistan's cricketing infrastructure have had a detrimental effect on the progress and preparation of players within the domestic system. Babar's form has also started to fall back drastically after constant comparisons with Virat Kohli across the three formats of the game.

According to Karthik, the financial limitations have significantly hampered the provision of basic amenities and facilities crucial for nurturing talent. This lack of adequate resources in domestic cricket has, in turn, affected the quality and readiness of players emerging from the domestic circuit. Without proper infrastructure and support, promising cricketers often struggle to reach their full potential, which ultimately reflects in the quality of players available for international selection.

Karthik highlighted that the strength and depth of new talent coming through the ranks are essential for any national team’s success. However, due to the insufficient investment in domestic cricket, Pakistan has faced challenges in developing players who are ready to compete at the highest level. The deficiency in facilities and support has led to a gap between the potential of young cricketers and their ability to perform on the international stage. Moreover, the resources are a massive concern especially when Pakistan are supposed to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

"Financially, they've had their struggles, and hence, it reflects in the infrastructure development, and in turn, in their domestic cricket. It's a very big cycle - how you get your finances, how you use them for cricket, and how you make sure that domestic cricket is strong enough to feed into international cricket," Karthik concluded.