World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma has been successful because he leads from the front – Mohammed Hafeez urges Babar Azam to do the same

Former Pakistan batter Mohammed Hafeez has urged Babar Azam to follow Rohit Sharma’s footsteps while leading the national team in the ongoing World Cup 2023. Rohit has been leading from the front and has adopted an aggressive approach while opening the innings.

The Indian skipper has scored 311 runs in five matches at an average of 62.20 and a blistering strike rate of 133.48 and thus he has played a key role in taking the pressure off the middle order.

On the other hand, Babar Azam has scored 157 runs in five matches in the ongoing World Cup 2023 at an average of 31.40 and a strike rate of 79.69. Babar hasn’t been at his absolute best and he has looked clueless on some occasions as a leader of the team.

Pakistan got off to a perfect start in the ongoing showpiece, winning their opening two matches but they have lost their previous three matches against Australia, Afghanistan, and India.

Speaking to PTV Sports, “Babar Azam is the captain of Pakistan in this World Cup, and people should back him. He also needs to step up. He needs to perform and be aggressive. Rohit Sharma has been successful because he leads from the front. Babar also needs to do the same.”

Hafeez reckons it is unfair to compare Babar Azam with other players and tipped the right-hander as Pakistan’s best player.

“As a player, Babar Azam has performed quite well,” Mohammad Hafeez stated. “It is unfortunate that people expect a lot from him and compare him with others. He is a very, very good player. He is the best player in Pakistan currently.

“However, it is unfair for Babar when he is compared to the greats. I have my reservations when he is touted as a great Pakistani player. People who call Babar a great have not seen the real greats of the game. He is not great yet. He has to prove a lot.”

Meanwhile, Hafeez added that Babar Azam has shown no improvement as a leader and it has led to the team’s downfall.

“Babar has shown no growth as captain. There should have been some maturity and tactical improvement in the past three years. Now Babar himself, or the PCB, should need to make a decision regarding his future. They need to decide if the pressure of captaincy should be relieved so that Babar can shine, or if Babar can shine despite having the additional pressure.”

The Men in Green will next take on South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday.