How Babar Azam Became the No 1 Babar Azam- the name comes to mind which has etched itself into this field of cricket where legends have been made, and records break. One rises as a great in the modern time of batsman, with this Pakistani cricket captain known worldwide. But how did Babar Azam reach the top and achieve the coveted No. 1 spot in the ICC rankings? Let’s dive into his journey and explore the factors behind his remarkable rise.
Early Beginnings and Foundation
Born on October 15, 1994 in Lahore, Pakistan, Babar Azam was destined to play cricket. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, his passion for the game was evident from an early age. He began honing his skills by playing on the streets, and later entered cricket academies to hone his skills under professional guidance. Both Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal, Babar’s cousins, were established cricketers and motivated and guided him in his initial years.
Babar’s early exposure to cricket at the grassroots level was the foundation of his excellent career. His determination and focus set him apart from his peers, and he soon earned a place in Pakistan’s Under-19 team.
Rising through the ranks
Success in Under-19 cricket
From Under-19 cricket, Babar Azam made his way to international stardom. Babar Azam played two ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cups for Pakistan in 2010 and 2012. He acted as a future hope as an under-19 player, demonstrating the capabilities as one of the top-order batsmen and to begin with his innings along with facing pressure situations behind wickets. He was also made the captain of the Under-19 team in 2012.
Excel at Domestic Cricket:
Babar’s domestic cricket performances further cemented his reputation. Playing for Lahore’s domestic teams, he consistently delivered match-winning performances, earning praise for his technique and temperament. His ability to adapt to different formats of the game became one of his standout features, making him a versatile player ready for international cricket.
Major developments in international cricket
ODI debut
Babar Azam made his debut in One Day International (ODI) 31 May 2015 vs Zimbabwe. However, though the performances were all good, Babar announced to the world from the home series against West Indies in 2016. That series saw him become only the third batsman ever to score three ODI centuries on the trot as he showcased the class and consistency of a match-winner.
Test and T20I debut
Babar’s Test debut came much later in 2016 against the West Indies, and he soon adapted to the longer format. His T20 International (T20I) debut preceded his ODI debut in 2015, and he showed glimpses of his potential in the shortest format as well. Over time, Babar has established himself as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting line-up across all formats.
Key attributes that set Babar apart.
Consistency
Babar Azam has scored a lot due to his excellent ability to give stable performances while representing his country both in home soil as well as under challenging weather conditions abroad. Babar has scored runs consistently regardless of the field condition, having perfect technique complemented by mental robustness; thereby, resulting in high average batsmanship through every format.
Beautiful Technique
Babar’s batting style is often compared to legends like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. His textbook cover drives and the ability to time the ball with precision make him a treat to watch. Unlike power hitters, Babar relies on placement, timing, and classic shots to amass runs, making him a pure fan’s delight.
Adaptability
Babar’s biggest strength is his adaptability. He has proven his mettle in a variety of conditions, from the spin-friendly pitches of the subcontinent to the pace and bounce of Australia and South Africa. His ability to adjust his game based on the format and conditions has played a major role in his success.
Leadership qualities
Leadership has greatly influenced Babar Azam towards the No. 1 status. He is given the all-formats Pakistani captaincy with boldness and a strong mindset to lead. His captaincy ensured that, for the very first time, the team succeeded in many events. It happened that he also brought home notable wins in Tests as well as One-Day/International Limited-over tournaments.
Moments that saw him reach the top
Grenade breaking records
Babar’s record-breaking performances have led to his No. 1 ranking. Here are some of the milestones that have defined his career:
Fastest to 1,000 T20I runs: Babar showed his dominance in the shortest format by achieving this historic milestone in just 26 innings.
Fastest Pakistani to score 1,000 ODI runs: He achieved the feat in just 21 innings, leaving behind the likes of Zaheer Abbas and Javed Miandad.
Consistent top-order batsman: Babar has consistently been among the top run-scorers in ICC tournaments, including the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup.
ICC Awards: Babar’s accolades include a nomination for the ICC Player of the Year and recognition as one of the best batsmen of the modern era.
ICC Rankings
Babar’s consistency in all formats has made him the number one in the ICC rankings. He became the No. 1 in the ODI rankings in April 2021, surpassing Virat Kohli, who had been at the top for more than three years. Babar’s dominance in T20Is and Test cricket has also made him one of the top players in these formats, making him a complete package.
Overcoming challenges and adversity
Babar’s journey to the top has not been without challenges. He was criticized for his lack of big scores and strike rate in limited-overs cricket early in his career. However, he has silenced his critics with improved performances and a determination to develop his game.
Moreover, leading Pakistan in a cricket-mad country comes with a lot of pressure. Babar’s calm demeanor and ability to focus on his game despite the weight of expectations is commendable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when cricket schedules were disrupted, his leadership demonstrated his ability to maintain the team’s morale and performance in difficult situations.
Future Prospects
As of now, Babar Azam is showing no signs of slowing down. With his age and hunger for success, he is ready to break more records and take Pakistan to greater heights. His dedication to fitness, technique, and leadership ensures that he remains a key asset to the team for years to come. Babar’s desire to win ICC trophies as a captain continues to drive his performance and inspire his teammates.
He is also a role model to upcoming young cricketers, due to his influence in international cricket. His discipline, work ethic, and focus on improvement would resonate with those young players who emulate his success.
Conclusion
How Babar Azam Became the No 1 cricketer in the world is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. From his humble beginnings in Lahore to leading Pakistan on the world stage, his journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers everywhere. As he continues to break records and achieve new milestones, Babar Azam has firmly established himself as one of the legends of the game.
His story is not only about individual talent but also about perseverance, leadership, and the ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. For fans and cricket enthusiasts, Babar Azam’s journey is a reminder that with passion and dedication, greatness is within reach. As Pakistan’s cricketing hero, Babar’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
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