Mushtaq Ahmed Backs Babar Azam to Bounce Back, Says He’s “One Big Knock Away” from Form Revival

April 19, 2025: Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam may be enduring a rough patch with the bat, but former leg-spinner and Peshawar Zalmi’s spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes the star cricketer is just one big innings away from silencing critics and regaining his lost confidence.

Speaking to the media, as quoted by Geo News, Mushtaq expressed faith in Babar’s abilities and insisted that a significant score – not just a half-century or a gritty 70 – but a century, could be the catalyst for his return to top form. “Thirty or forty runs mean nothing for Babar. He needs a big knock, not 70 or 80, but a hundred, and he acknowledges that,” said the veteran coach.

Babar, who had a stellar 2022, has been struggling for consistency since 2023. His form dip has come under intense scrutiny, especially after a string of low scores across all formats. Since scoring a century against Nepal last year, Babar has failed to reach the three-figure mark in international cricket.

Adding to the pressure has been the revolving door of captaincy. After stepping down as Pakistan’s all-format captain following the 2023 ODI World Cup, he was briefly succeeded by Shaheen Afridi. However, Babar was reinstated as the white-ball skipper ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 – only to step down again after the tournament, marking his second resignation in under a year.

Mushtaq hinted that the lack of consistent support during these difficult periods may have played a part in his underwhelming performances. “He was under pressure. The lack of support during his tough phase didn’t help. He gave five years of consistent performance. Ups and downs are part of a cricketer’s journey. But bad performance will only make him stronger,” he added.

Statistically, Babar’s numbers have taken a hit. In 2025 so far, he has scored 462 runs in 11 matches for Pakistan, averaging 33.00 with a strike rate of 66.95 – well below his usual standards. In the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he captains Peshawar Zalmi, Babar has managed just one run in his first two outings.

Despite the current slump, Mushtaq Ahmed remains optimistic. With the right backing and a bit of time, he believes Babar Azam will once again be a formidable force at the crease.