Shahid Afridi, a former Pakistan all-rounder, feels the national team captain hits the best cover drive in the world.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s prolific batter, is recognized for his excellent wristwork and has gained much recognition and appreciation both at home and abroad.
Afridi, a harsh critic, chose the star player over India’s Virat Kohli and Australia’s Steve Smith, both of whom excel at the cover drive.
The veteran cricketer was asked to rank Babar’s cover drive against Kohli and Smith’s.
“Babar Azam, Virat [Kohli], and then [Steve] Smith,” Afridi said on a local news programme in response to a query.
“Babar plays a beautiful cover drive,” he extolled the 28-year-old hitter.
Aside from Afridi, English cricket veteran Nasser Hussain and former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene both praise Babar’s cover drive technique.
“I have also talked about the one Kohli plays, but Babar’s cover drive is totally exceptional,” Hussain stated when asked about the best cover drive in the world.
Meanwhile, when asked the identical question independently, Jayawardene chose Babar without hesitation.
Babar Azam followed Mickey Arthur’s advice
Afridi previously stated that Azam is following the advice of Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur.
Pakistan recently won the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand 4-1 at home.
“We always talk about giving players a chance, and they’ve gotten one.” “I believe Mickey and his management team are in control of everything right now,” Afridi remarked.
“Babar is also paying attention to what the management is saying right now because the World Cup is approaching and we will have to try some new things.” As a result, every one of the management, coaches, and captain, in my perspective, are on the same page,” he continued.
Arthur will be a member of the coaching staff for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, as well as the next away tour to Australia and home series against the West Indies. He will also be in the squad for Pakistan’s ACC Asia Cup game against India.