Pakistan Captain Shan Masood Backs Babar Azam to Bounce Back Stronger After Being Dropped

In the wake of Babar Azam's recent exclusion from the Pakistan Test squad, captain Shan Masood expressed confidence in the star batter's ability to return to form. Masood believes that this period away from the Test arena could be beneficial for Babar, who has faced challenges in recent matches.

After stepping down from captaincy across all formats following Pakistan's disappointing exit in the 50-over World Cup, Babar resumed a leadership role in white-ball cricket earlier this year. However, after a lackluster performance, culminating in just 35 runs over two innings in the first Test against England, he was dropped for the second and third Tests.

Shan Masood, in an interview with the BBC's 'Stumped' podcast, reiterated Babar's status as one of the best batsmen in the world, stating, "He has every quality to be one of the greatest batsmen in Test cricket." He emphasized that while Babar's current form has not been up to par, he is still a crucial part of Pakistan's batting lineup.

Acknowledging the pressures of continuous play, Masood remarked, "Sometimes, people need a break. I personally think this break will do him a great deal of benefit and he'll come back a stronger player." This perspective reflects a growing understanding in cricket that even top athletes can benefit from time away to recharge and refocus.

As Babar prepares to feature in the upcoming one-day international and T20 squads for Pakistan's tour of Australia, he aims to reclaim his place in the Test setup. Pakistan's next Test series is scheduled for December against South Africa, where a reinvigorated Babar could play a pivotal role in the team's performance.

Masood concluded his support for Babar by reaffirming his belief in the batter's long-term potential, stating that despite recent setbacks, he will always be a key player for Pakistan cricket.