Kohli took a break when he was out of form: Ahmed advices rest for Babar

Listen to Story Former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has advised star batter Babar Azam to take a break amid his poor run of form, citing the example of India batter Virat Kohli. Babar has been struggling for form in Pakistan’s ongoing three match Test series against Australia. Pakistan is all set to take on Australia in the third and final Test of their series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3.

Australia has already sealed the series, having won the first two matches. The game in Sydney will also be Australia opening batter David Warner’s final match in Test cricket. Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Mushtaq said Kohli take a break when he is out of form, suggesting Babar to go the same amid his poor run.

Babar has scored 77 runs in four innings against Australia in the ongoing series. ”Across the world, we provide coaching, and when we realize a player is mentally disturbed, we give them a break of 2 or 3 matches. When Virat Kohli was out of form, he took a break, and since then, he hasn't faced the same struggles.

The management should have taken ownership and advised Babar to take a rest,” said Mushtaq. He went on to say that Babar face challenges in the Asia Cup and the World Cup, insisting that he would have suggested giving Babar some rest if he was part of the management. Babar is averaging just 20 in the ongoing Test series, with a high score of 41 in the Perth Test.

“Babar has given outstanding performances, and he is our hero. He is considered one of the top players in the world. However, he faced challenges such as losing the Asia Cup, the World Cup, and subsequently losing the captaincy amid rumors and difficulties. Often in our culture, we fail to realize the need for breaks.

If I were there, I would have suggested giving Babar some rest,” Mushtaq added. Pakistan will be looking to pull one game back and spoil the party for Warner, as he calls time on a glittering Test career at his home ground..