Ravi Shastri encourages batsmen to emulate the approach of Babar Azam.
Ravi Shastri, during a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, underscored the significance of batsmen taking inspiration from Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam. Shastri emphasized that Azam possesses a valuable skill of converting starts in the 30s and 40s into centuries, a skill he believes is essential for top-order batsmen.
ccording to Shastri, “Babar Azam consistently turns those promising 30s and 40s into centuries, and this ability is incredibly important. We often stress the importance of facing a significant number of balls, but when one of your top three batsmen scores a hundred, it can result in a team total of over 300,” Shastri explained.
Shastri also expressed his thoughts regarding the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan, two fierce rivals scheduled to clash at Pallekele on Saturday.
“I would say that India enters this match as the favorites. This team is the strongest they’ve had since 2011, with a well-balanced mix of players,” Shastri commented. “They also have a seasoned captain who possesses an in-depth understanding of the playing conditions.
“However, it’s important to acknowledge that Pakistan has bridged the gap over the past seven to eight years. When you compare the strength of both teams and their individual players, the disparity has diminished. Pakistan is a formidable side, so India needs to be at their best,” Shastri concluded.