Sehwag’s Advice to Babar Azam: ‘Focus on Domestic Cricket’—A Misguided Commentary or Tough Love?
In a recent cricketing controversy, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag sparked debate by suggesting that Pakistan’s current skipper, Babar Azam, should focus on domestic cricket to overcome his recent form slump. Sehwag’s comments, while blunt and in line with his reputation for outspokenness, have raised eyebrows in both India and Pakistan. Is this tough love from a cricketing veteran, or an unnecessary dig at one of modern cricket’s finest players?
Sehwag’s Critique: Unfair Targeting or Genuine Concern?
Sehwag’s advice stems from Babar Azam’s recent inconsistent performances, particularly in major tournaments like the World Cup, where the Pakistan captain has struggled to meet the sky-high expectations placed on him. “Sometimes, it’s better to step back and rediscover your form in domestic cricket, away from the pressure of international scrutiny,” Sehwag reportedly said. On the surface, this might appear to be well-intentioned advice, a common suggestion for any cricketer struggling to find rhythm. But does it really apply to a player like Babar Azam?
Babar Azam, after all, isn’t just any cricketer. He’s widely regarded as one of the “Fab Four” in world cricket, often drawing comparisons with the likes of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. With a batting average of over 50 in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and stellar performances across formats, Babar’s stature as Pakistan’s cricketing icon is hardly in question. His recent dip in form is frustrating, but is sending him back to domestic cricket the solution—or an insult?
A Subtle Dig or a Slip of the Tongue?
Many in Pakistan, understandably, view Sehwag’s comment as a subtle dig, stemming from the long-standing cricketing rivalry between the two nations. Babar Azam, unlike many Pakistani players, has consistently been a thorn in India’s side, performing well in high-pressure games. Critics argue that Sehwag’s comment could be a way of undermining Babar’s confidence at a time when he needs encouragement, not advice that may seem patronizing.
Let’s be clear: Sehwag, a legendary player in his own right, certainly understands the pressures of international cricket. However, his advice seems to ignore the fact that Babar Azam is already a well-established international cricketer, not a rising star who is yet to prove himself on the big stage. His challenges are more about mental resilience under pressure, leadership expectations, and navigating a demanding international schedule, rather than a technical flaw that domestic cricket can fix.
The Broader Picture: Double Standards?
Sehwag’s comments also bring to light a broader issue: the double standards often applied to Asian cricketers. It’s hard to imagine a player of Babar Azam’s caliber from another country being told to retreat to domestic cricket during a form slump. When Virat Kohli went through a prolonged lean patch, the advice was focused on mental rest, regaining confidence, and trusting his process—not stepping down to Ranji Trophy. Yet, Babar, who leads one of the most passionate cricket nations in the world, is being told to take a backward step.
This speaks to the different ways in which cricketing elites view players from Pakistan compared to those from India, Australia, or England. While no one questions Babar Azam’s talent, the insinuation that he needs to ‘go back to basics’ almost diminishes his accomplishments. Babar, like Kohli, deserves to be treated as a world-class player going through a temporary blip, not a cricketer in need of remedial lessons.
Is Babar Azam Really in a Slump?
Critics of Sehwag’s comment also point out that calling Babar Azam’s recent performances a “slump” might be overstated. While it’s true he hasn’t been in his best form, cricket is a team game, and Pakistan’s recent struggles cannot solely be placed on Babar’s shoulders. His contributions as a leader and his role in rebuilding Pakistan’s batting lineup are often overlooked when his personal statistics don’t match up to his career highs.
Furthermore, Babar has the unique challenge of being Pakistan’s captain, which brings its own set of pressures, particularly in a cricket-crazy nation like Pakistan. To imply that domestic cricket can solve his leadership dilemmas or boost his self-confidence ignores the complexities of being a modern-day international captain.
Conclusion: Tough Love or Unwarranted Criticism?
Sehwag’s advice to Babar Azam could be seen as well-meaning, but it feels out of place for a cricketer of Babar’s stature. While the idea of stepping back to domestic cricket might work for younger, less-established players, Babar needs a different kind of support: trust in his abilities, patience from his fans, and perhaps some time away from the immense pressures of captaincy and international scrutiny.
Ultimately, the cricketing world should be careful about how it treats its stars in moments of vulnerability. Sehwag’s comments may have been born out of concern, but they’ve opened the door to a wider conversation about how we perceive players based on nationality and form. Babar Azam is not just the face of Pakistani cricket—he is one of the finest talents of his generation. His slump, if we can even call it that, doesn’t need domestic cricket; it needs the kind of understanding and patience we reserve for the truly great.