“If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can change their approach in T20Is, then why can’t Babar Azam?”- Rashid Latif slams Pakistan star over batting style

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper bat Rashid Latif has questioned Pakistan’s batting approach in T20Is. Latif noted why can’t Babar Azam alter his batting style when the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did so in T20Is.

Rohit and Virat retired from T20Is on a high, lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 title as India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the summit clash at Barbados on Saturday. Rohit Sharma scored 257 runs in eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 at an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.71.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli scored a crucial knock of 76 runs off 59 balls in the all-important final against South Africa to help his team post 176 runs on the board. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan was knocked out of the tournament after they were stunned by the USA in the group stage. After Pakistan’s exit, their openers were questioned for their sedate approach. While Rizwan scored 93 runs in three matches of the World Cup, Azam scored 90 runs in as many games. 

Rashid Latif said on YouTube channel as quoted by Times Now, “If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can change their approach in T20Is, then why can’t Babar Azam? I would like to cite Rohit Sharma’s example. You saw how he evolved his game in the 50-over format. He has made himself a role model. In this year’s IPL, he had close to 140 strike rate. If he can change his game, everyone can. He did not do this overnight, he had to work on his game. India showed they can do this. This is not a problem of the player but a problem of the ones who make them play.”

Latif said PCB should give five matches to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to change their batting approach.

“I would give Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan five amatches to change their batting approach in T20Is and if they won’t, then there should be no place in the team for them,” stated Latif.

The former right-hander added that Babar Azam’s second tenure as Pakistan captain has been weak after taking back the baton from Shaheen Afridi.

“Babar Azam shouldn’t have been removed as captain after the ODI World Cup in India. Shaheen came in to replace him. But Babar’s second tenure as captain was weak. Babar looked weak. This is not the way team selection should be done. Babar didn’t fight ( in the T20 World Cup). His biggest mistake was accepting the captaincy again. If he continues as captain, it will be an even bigger mistake,” Latif was quoted as saying by TOI.

Pakistan will next tour Australia for three ODIs and as many T20Is in November.