Babar Azam is set to become Pakistan’s 34th Test captain as he will lead the team in the first Test match against South Africa on Tuesday at National Stadium Karachi. Babar has been the spine of the Pakistan batting unit for the past couple of years and is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world, but it has not been smooth sailing for the 26-year old.
Babar has had a roller-coaster ride throughout his career, and he shared his experiences in a heartfelt video uploaded by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
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An inspiring story – from ball-picker in 2007 to Test captain in 2021#HarHaalMainCricket #BackTheBoysInGreen #SAvPAK @babarazam258 pic.twitter.com/U20bwv1JcE
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 23, 2021
Babar said that his cricketing journey started in 2007, and he was always inspired to put on the national jersey. Babar revealed that he was one of the ball-pickers when South Africa toured Pakistan the last time in 2007. Babar said that he always wanted to watch top international cricketers on the ground and during practice sessions.
He revealed that he was a huge fan of the former South African batsman, AB de Villiers, and used to spend a lot of time watching him practice in the nets. He said that he spent more time near the South African practice sessions rather than the Pakistan team.
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Babar said that he has had a tough journey and thanked Allah for helping him achieve his dream. He said that it is unbelievable how he went from picking balls in Pakistan’s match against South Africa in 2007 to leading the team for the first time against the same side fourteen years later.
Babar Azam will be looking to reclaim his spot in the top five Test batsmen rankings in the upcoming series against South Africa. Babar was not able to play on the tour of New Zealand due to a thumb injury and slipped down to 6th position in the ICC Test rankings.
You must be thankful to those who favoured you and brought you up to this level.