AB de Villiers Offers Support and Advice to Babar Azam Ahead of Champions Trophy

South African Cricket Legend Encourages Babar to Focus on His Game and Regain Form

Former South African cricketing great AB de Villiers has publicly backed Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam, amidst the latter’s recent struggles with form. De Villiers, known for his exceptional batting and leadership skills, expressed his confidence that Babar would bounce back stronger, just in time for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar, who has been going through a rough patch in the ongoing tri-nation ODI series, has been under scrutiny from fans and analysts. However, de Villiers believes that these fluctuations are a natural part of a cricketer’s journey, particularly for players who carry the weight of expectations from their nation.

De Villiers Lauds Babar’s Achievements Despite Recent Struggles

AB de Villiers, while discussing Babar Azam’s form on his YouTube channel, highlighted the immense talent and ability of the Pakistani batsman. He pointed out that Babar became the fastest player to score 6,000 ODI runs, achieving this milestone alongside South Africa’s Hashim Amla, a feat that cements his place among the world’s top cricketers.

Despite this achievement, Babar’s recent struggles in Test and ODI cricket have raised concerns among fans. His performance in the tri-nation ODI series has not lived up to expectations, leading to discussions about whether his captaincy was affecting his batting.

However, with Mohammad Rizwan now leading the Pakistan team, de Villiers is optimistic that Babar can fully concentrate on his batting without the additional burden of leadership.

De Villiers’ Advice: Focus Solely on Scoring Runs

Offering guidance to Babar, de Villiers emphasized the importance of rhythm and consistency. He recalled the same advice he often gives to his own son when struggling with form—"Keep scoring runs".

“It’s all about maintaining his rhythm and focusing on getting the job done. If he stays in the right mindset and focuses purely on runs, his natural ability will take over,” de Villiers said.

He stressed that Babar’s main objective should be staying true to his strengths, playing with confidence, and avoiding distractions from external pressures.

This advice comes at a crucial time as Pakistan gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Babar is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s batting lineup.

Praise for Mohammad Rizwan’s Leadership and Performance

In addition to backing Babar, de Villiers also praised the current Pakistan captain, Mohammad Rizwan, for his outstanding performances in the tri-series. Rizwan has shown exceptional form, particularly with his match-winning 122-run innings against South Africa, which played a key role in securing a spot in the tournament final.

De Villiers acknowledged that Rizwan’s consistent performances and leadership have given Pakistan a strong foundation heading into the Champions Trophy.

“Rizwan has been brilliant both as a leader and as a batsman. His recent knock against South Africa showed his ability to handle pressure and lead from the front. That’s exactly what Pakistan needs,” he said.

With Pakistan’s first match in the Champions Trophy set for February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi, both Babar and Rizwan will be expected to deliver strong performances to boost the team’s chances in the tournament.

Pakistan’s Road to Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it is the first ICC tournament to be hosted in the country since the 1996 World Cup.

Pakistan’s schedule for the tournament is as follows:

February 19 – Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
February 23 – Pakistan vs. India (Dubai)
February 27 – Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)

As Pakistan prepares to compete against some of the world’s best teams, de Villiers' advice to Babar Azam could not have come at a better time. His reassurance and encouragement may provide Babar with the motivation needed to rediscover his top form and play a crucial role in Pakistan’s campaign.