LAHORE: Pakistan All-Forms Captain Babar Azam reacted to the laudatory comment made by Indian batsman Dinesh Karthik regarding him.
Karthik, while appearing in the last episode of the ICC Review last month, hosted by Sanjana Ganesan, he made an important prediction about the Pakistan captain; stating that the latter has all the potential and capabilities to become the highest ranked batsman in all formats.
“One hundred percent (he is capable of achieving it). He is a high-quality player who is at the peak of his hitting prowess and has some test matches to come,” stated Karthik.
“He’s been phenomenal in all three formats of the game and he’s done well in different batting positions as well.
I wish him all the best and I think he has the potential. He has all the supporters of Pakistan helping him out in abundance to continue and do special things for his country,” Karthik maintained.
Babar, for his part, reacted to Karthik’s laudatory comments about his future, in response to a reporter’s question: “Cricketers all over the world are in awe of your batting, and Dinesh Karthik has even said that you can become at number 1.
Do you think you can get there, and if so, what are you doing to get there?”
In response, Babar stated that as a player it is his dream to achieve this amazing feat and highlighted the factors that go into becoming number 1.
“Definitely, as a player, it is a dream to become No. 1 in all formats and for that, you have to focus and work hard. It’s not like if you’re the best player in 1 or 2 formats, you go easy,” he stated.
“If you want to become number 1 in all three, you have to stay fit and on track. There is consecutive cricket and the gap is smaller. For that, you need to be extra fit.
It’s something I’m preparing for. I’m doing well on white ball and hopefully I can do well on trials as well,” she concluded.
It is pertinent to mention here that Babar is currently the highest ranked batsman in both ODI and T20I.
In testing, however, the Pakistan captain sits fifth behind Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.
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