Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam has reached out to renowned Australian power-hitting coach Shannon Young for guidance as he seeks to revamp his T20 skills following a disappointing campaign in the recent World Cup. Babar, known for his elegant and technically sound batting, struggled to make a significant impact in the tournament, managing only 120 runs from four matches at a strike rate of 101. This underwhelming performance saw Pakistan exit the tournament before even entering the Super Eights.
The meeting between Babar and Young, who has previously mentored Australian stars like Glenn Maxwell and Jake Fraser-McGurk, took place in Lahore, where Young is currently on a private visit. Young’s reputation as a power-hitting specialist is well-established, having helped numerous players improve their ability to hit big shots and score runs quickly in the T20 format. Notably, Fraser-McGurk’s impressive power hitting in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to Young’s coaching prowess.
Babar has faced criticism for his relatively low strike rate and his inability to consistently hit sixes in the shortest format of the game. Despite playing 123 T20Is, his overall strike rate stands at 129, a figure that has prompted calls for him to adapt his approach to suit the demands of the modern T20 game.
While Babar was removed as captain of all formats last year after Pakistan’s failure to qualify for the semifinals of the 50-over World Cup, he was reinstated as captain in the white ball formats ahead of the T20 World Cup. This decision, however, has come under scrutiny, with some questioning his suitability for the role given his recent struggles in the shortest format.
Babar’s meeting with Young signals a clear intention to address these concerns and refine his T20 batting skills. The Pakistan captain will be hoping that Young’s expertise will help him develop the power-hitting abilities needed to succeed in the demanding world of T20 cricket. The outcome of this collaboration could have a significant impact on Babar’s future in the shortest format and Pakistan’s prospects in the upcoming T20 tournaments.
