"Maybe He Needs to Get Away for a While": Ricky Ponting on Babar Azam's Recent Struggles

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has voiced his concerns over Babar Azam's recent form, suggesting that the Pakistan star might need to take a break from cricket to regain his best performance. Babar, who has been struggling with a poor Test average of 20.7 since 2023, was rested by Pakistan’s selectors after a series of defeats, including a heavy loss to England in Multan. His absence helped Pakistan secure a 2-1 win in the Test series, but Babar’s form has continued to be a point of concern, especially in the longer format.

Although Babar has shown some positive signs in the white-ball formats, including a brisk 37 in the first ODI against Australia, Ponting remains worried about his return to form in Tests. Speaking on ICC Review, Ponting highlighted the challenge the Pakistan Cricket Board faces in bringing Babar back into the Test team with his confidence restored.

Ponting drew parallels with Virat Kohli’s approach to overcoming a similar slump in form. Kohli had taken a break from cricket in 2022 to clear his mind, and upon his return, he went on to score a series of match-winning performances, including his remarkable showing in the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup. Kohli's resurgence after taking time away from the game has become a model for players dealing with similar struggles.

Ponting suggested that Babar could benefit from taking a similar break to refresh mentally and physically. "Maybe Babar needs to get away for a while, stop trying too hard, lock the kit bag away, think about something else, and then hopefully come back recharged," Ponting said. He emphasized that when Babar is at his best, he is one of the finest players in world cricket, and a break could help him rediscover that form as he progresses through his career.