PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam an amazing batsman but mediocre Captain? How many of you agree?

Babar Azam is a swashbuckling batsman who has excelled in all three game types, making him a jewel for Pakistan cricket.

He is far ahead of his Pakistan Cricket peers at the age of 28. His statistics in the white ball format are staggering; in ODIs, he amassed 4664 runs at an average of 59.79, including 17 hundreds and 22 half centuries.

1️⃣0️⃣th fifty-plus score in his last 1️⃣1️⃣ ODI innings! 🫡#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/UtDMMXt5Rl

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023

In the shortest version of the game, he amassed 3355 runs as a batter and scored two centuries and thirty half-centuries.

Captain @babarazam258 leading the chase ⭐#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/usSRyaSEBh

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023

He has excellently guided his team in ICC and ACC competitions, but while getting close to winning the championship, he fell short.

The manner Men in Green lost bilateral series at home where they lost back-to-back Test series against Australia & England and drew with Kiwis is not a satisfactory outcome for a flamboyant hitter. Babar’s bowling changes and field placement have also been questioned at times.

ODI fifty No. 23 for skipper @babarazam258💫#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/N6dOYXBbsL

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023

Babar Azam receives a lot of criticism even if he loses in one of these innings because of his poor consistency, which frustrates his supporters.

After replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain in all three formats after the PCB fired him, Babar Azam is still gaining experience in the role.

Due to the fact that every year going forward will be a world cup year, Babar Azam needs to rapidly learn from his errors and master the difficult duties of captaincy.

Men in Green also greatly relies on Babar as a player because other batsmen’s consistency in international cricket isn’t up to par; if the emphasis is taken off of him, he can excel as captain in all three formats.

Azam still has a long way to go, but if he swiftly fixes his errors and learns from them, he can excel in all three game types.