The Illusion of Stardom: Is Babar Azam Truly a Test Cricket Great?

Cricket, especially the longest format, has a way of separating the sublime from the ordinary, exposing the cracks that might remain hidden in the flashier formats of the game. In recent years, Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and premier batsman, has found himself at the crossroads of hype and reality, with a growing critique of his performance, particularly in Test cricket. 

Despite the glittering reputation built on his exploits in limited-overs cricket, Babar’s Test career, spanning almost a decade, leaves much to be desired when placed alongside the modern-day greats of the game.

In the first Test against England at Multan, on a dead pitch that offered no demons, Babar Azam’s dismissal—trapped LBW for the 13th time—exposed deeper vulnerabilities in his technique and mental approach. It marked another chapter in his ongoing lean patch, a barren stretch of 651 days without the spark of brilliance expected from someone frequently compared to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. Yet, Babar’s stardom often appears to exist without substance, with his Test performances crumbling under the weight of those lofty comparisons.

Technically, Babar has always shown promise but never reached the levels of his contemporaries. Where Kohli, Williamson, and Root have mastered their craft across conditions, often carrying their teams on their shoulders, Babar’s performances have been inconsistent, especially when the stakes are highest. His dismissals often betray a lack of mental fortitude, exposing a batsman who wilts under pressure rather than thriving in it.

Against Bangladesh, Pakistan faced the embarrassment of a whitewash at home, and Babar’s inability to anchor his side only deepened the question marks over his status as a great in the making. The test against England offered a golden opportunity for redemption, especially on familiar, flat tracks where runs should come easily. Yet, once again, Babar faltered, leaving behind a trail of missed opportunities that now define his Test career.

It is one thing to score heavily at home, but the true test of greatness is the ability to dominate away from the comforts of home turf. In Pakistan, Babar averages over 60, a figure that flatters but also misleads. His numbers plummet in more challenging conditions—Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand being particularly unkind. In Australia, a country where the best rise to the occasion, Babar averages a mere 29.50. South Africa and New Zealand haven’t been much kinder, with his averages there languishing below 35.

This struggle against seam, swing, and pace underscores a critical gap in Babar’s technical proficiency. His footwork, particularly against quality fast bowling, appears hesitant, and his decision-making outside the off-stump has often led to his undoing. For a player lauded as Pakistan’s best since Younis Khan, such vulnerabilities are alarming, especially when placed against the consistent dominance of the likes of Steve Smith or Kane Williamson in these same conditions.

The hallmark of greatness is not just consistency but also the ability to deliver iconic innings in pressure-cooker situations. Think of Brian Lara’s unforgettable 400*, or Steve Smith’s Ashes heroics. Kohli has multiple defining performances in hostile territories, with hundreds in South Africa and England that cement his legacy. Unfortunately, Babar has no such innings to his name.

Even Babar’s highest Test score—196 against Australia in Karachi in 2022—was played on a placid surface, devoid of any real challenges for the batsmen. While it was an admirable innings, it came in a drawn game, failing to shift the tide in Pakistan’s favor. The lack of a series-defining knock in his near-decade-long Test career is telling, especially for a player hailed as a superstar.

In cricket-mad Pakistan, where stars are often made before they are truly tested, Babar Azam’s stardom seems to have outpaced his actual accomplishments. 

His home performances have given fans glimpses of brilliance, but the same cannot be said about his encounters with top-tier teams under tougher conditions. This creates a dissonance between the reality of Babar’s achievements and the inflated expectations surrounding him.

The comparisons with Kohli, Williamson, and Root, though flattering, often serve to highlight the gap between Babar and the truly elite batsmen of his generation. These comparisons, while providing Pakistan fans with hope, also risk making a mockery of Babar’s true standing in the game. 

His overseas record, lack of landmark innings, and continued failures against world-class opposition paint a picture of a batsman still searching for his place among the greats.

At 29, Babar still has time to course-correct, but time alone cannot heal the technical and mental shortcomings that continue to plague his Test career. If he hopes to silence his critics and justify the immense faith placed in him, Babar must adapt, showing resilience in foreign conditions, tightening his technique, and producing the kinds of innings that define careers.

His story is not yet fully written, but as things stand, Babar risks joining the long list of Pakistani cricketers who dazzled with talent but fell short due to poor mental strength, mismanagement, and an over-hyped stardom built on inconsistent foundations.

For Babar, the next chapter of his career will be crucial, for it will determine whether he remains an overrated star or ascends to the heights that his fans desperately wish for him to reach.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

For The Lion Impossible Was Nothing

The teenager would request his sisters to bowl at him in the family garden so that he could perfect his batting technique. The teenager used to run after the kites in Zaman Park, Lahore which helped him to garner stamina.

His cousin Majid Khan said he had to work a lot to reach the level of Wes Hall as his bowling action was imperfect - neither could he generate pace nor had control.

In 1972 - he witnessed the great Dennis Lillee at his pristine best and he started to imagine himself bowling like him - ultimately it was a tough task for the teenager who was becoming a laughing stock with his cricket abilities.

The teenager stuck to his dream and did everything to achieve the impossible - becoming a tearaway fast bowler and a handy batsman.

In 1974 - the teenager bagged his first Test wicket. A year later, he was called to join the team at Leeds for the crucial World Cup match against Australia.

The teenager was attending the final exams at Oxford. He finished the exams, took the train to Leeds and reached the team hotel at 4 am. He played the match and bagged two wickets.

In 1976 - in Sydney, the teenager was inspired by the sight of Lilllee and bowled one of the fastest spells ever bowled on Australian soil. He tore his shirt for extra effort and was advised by his skipper Mushtaq Mohammad to aim the eyes of the batsmen rather than the rib cage.

The teenager was transforming into a man - he was unplayable on a flat deck, grabbed 12 wickets and sunk Australia to level the series.

He flew to West Indies in 1977 where Sir Garry Sobers told him if this bloke was bowling faster than Lilllee then Lillee was bowling half of his abilities.

Sobers watched the youngster from Lahore terrorizing the West Indies batsmen with pace despite the hot and humid conditions.

Sobers was left praising the lad.

In 1977 - the lad rubbed shoulders with John Snow and Garth Le Roux who helped to change his bowling action and three years later, the wheel had completed its circle - Imran Khan was born.

From 1980-1992 - The mighty Khan took world cricket by storm with his pace and astonishing control, sublime batting and high-class captaincy.

The man changed the face of Pakistan Cricket, which the Pakistanis have wasted.

From the rubble, a Lion was born whose roar could be heard from every corner of world cricket.

Imran is my cricket idol.

He achieved these feats with his sheer mental strength.

For  Imran, impossible was nothing.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Navigating Challenges: Bangladesh’s Disappointing Batting Collapse in Kanpur

Bangladesh's batting performance unfolded like a vessel capsizing in a river with a gentle current—devoid of ferocious waves, yet lacking the necessary navigation to reach the safety of the shore. The conditions at Kanpur were not particularly hostile; the ball occasionally kept low and sometimes deviated from a good length, but this was not an insurmountable challenge for a Test batting unit capable of weathering three sessions.

The truth remains that Bangladesh batted poorly, a reality that cannot be obscured. Their one promising innings provided a fleeting glimmer of hope, suggesting that survival might be within reach. However, this brief moment of sensibility was not enough to stem the tide of disappointment that followed.

The crux of the issue lay in the Bangladeshi batsmen's early commitment to aggressive shots, which betrayed a lack of trust in their defensive capabilities. This impulsiveness, coupled with inadequate foot movement, rendered them vulnerable to the subtle variations of the pitch. The result was a disheartening collapse—a performance that seemed all the more disgraceful given the interruptions from inclement weather that plagued the match for nearly three days.

In the end, this innings served as a stark reminder of the importance of patience and adaptability in Test cricket. The ability to read the conditions and adjust one's game accordingly is vital, and in this instance, Bangladesh's failure to do so cost them dearly. The lessons from Kanpur will resonate far beyond this match, highlighting the need for a more strategic approach to future challenges.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Mominul Haque's Masterclass: A Century of Tactical Brilliance in Kanpur

Mominul Haque's remarkable century at Kanpur showcased not only his technical prowess but also his astute tactical acumen. With a strike rate of 57, he maintained a steady tempo throughout his innings, deftly navigating the challenges posed by India's spin duo, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Central to Mominul's strategy was his adept use of the sweep shot, which yielded him 23 runs off Ashwin and 21 off Jadeja. This shot allowed him to target the on-side regions, an essential tactic given the disciplined lines the spinners bowled. By focusing on mid-wicket, deep square leg, square leg, and long leg, he effectively capitalized on the scoring opportunities that emerged from their deliveries. Notably, only a single shot against Jadeja ventured to long-off, illustrating his calculated approach to shot selection.

Against the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, Mominul was more cautious, accumulating just 10 runs primarily through third man and cover. In contrast, he found greater success against Mohammed Siraj, where he skillfully crafted 20 runs on the on-side, utilizing his footwork to position himself effectively.

When faced with Akash Deep, Mominul demonstrated his command over the offside, amassing 28 runs through deft strokes to third man, cover, and backward point. This adaptability further underscored his ability to identify and exploit his strong scoring areas.

In the grand tapestry of Test cricket, every innings is a meticulous construction, demanding a batsman to be both self-aware and strategic. Mominul Haque exemplified this principle, building his innings on thoughtful decision-making and a keen understanding of the conditions. His performance stands as a testament to the blend of skill and intelligence that defines successful Test batting.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Why Vinicius Junior Plays Well for Real Madrid and not Brazil?

Since returning from the international break, the Brazilian players have been shining for the clubs. Players like Rodrygo Goyes, Eder Militao, Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes and others are rollicking for their respective clubs. But during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, most of them, looked done and dusted. They could hardly cut a satisfactory figure leading to another abysmal campaign for the Selecao.

Vinicius Junior, in particular, received a lot of criticism for his poor show in yellow shirt. One of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year, Vinicius, was expected to inject life into the lifeless body of Brazil's Football Team, but, sadly, he was found wanting.

His numbers are for the Selecao: A single goal in 12 World Cup qualifier matches that was scored way back in 2022. Received more ore yellow cards (6) than goals (5). Completed 23/76 dribbles (30%) since the FIFA World Cup 2022. Scored less number of goals in 2024 than the 17-year-old Endrick who played 404 fewer minutes

As soon as he dons the white shirt for Real Madrid, Vinicius transforms into a beast and why this has been happening remains a moot question.

Obviously, there are key factors to look at:

1. Tactical Systems: Brazil vs. Real Madrid

At Real Madrid, Vinicius thrives in a system that allows him to play to his strengths—quick transitions, counter-attacking football, and space to exploit on the left flank. Madrid’s system under Carlo Ancelotti is often built around fast breaks, with Vinícius being a key outlet for those transitions. He plays on the left wing, where he has more freedom to take on defenders one-on-one, use his speed, and cut inside onto his stronger foot. Additionally, the presence of creative midfielders like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, along with a world-class striker in Karim Benzema (before he left), allows Vinicius to flourish as defences are preoccupied with multiple threats.

For Brazil, the tactical setup is different. Brazil often dominates possession against weaker teams in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and international tournaments, meaning Vinícius faces low blocks and tightly packed defences. This reduces the space he can exploit, which is critical to his playing style. Moreover, Brazil tends to have slower build-up play, with less emphasis on fast transitions. As a result, Vinicius doesn't get as many opportunities to utilize his speed and direct dribbling, which are key elements of his success at Madrid.

2. Positional Role and Competition

Vinicius plays as a traditional left-winger for club and country, but his responsibilities differ. At Real Madrid, he’s often the focal point of their attack on the left, where he has the creative license to roam and make runs. In contrast, Brazil’s left-wing has historically been a highly contested position, with players like Neymar often dominating that role. When Neymar plays, Vinicius is sometimes either moved to a more secondary role or asked to adjust his game to complement Neymar’s style.

Even when Neymar isn't available, the Brazilian team’s structure and expectations differ. Vinícius is often required to track back more defensively and play within a more rigid structure, whereas at Madrid, he has more freedom to stay forward and initiate counters. This difference in role could explain why his attacking impact for Brazil seems diminished compared to his explosive performances for Madrid.

3. Team Dynamics and Chemistry

At Real Madrid, Vinicius has built strong on-field chemistry with key players, particularly Benzema (before his departure), who often acted as a mentor and attacking partner. The understanding between these two players allowed Vinícius to excel. Benzema’s movement, positioning, and ability to draw defenders created space for Vinícius to operate. The team is designed to amplify his strengths, and the years spent together have built an intuitive partnership.

For Brazil, Vinícius hasn’t had the same continuity or connection with his teammates. The national team setup is more fragmented, with players coming together sporadically for international breaks and tournaments. 

This lack of regular playing time together can result in less cohesive attacking play. Additionally, Brazil’s squad features multiple star players, meaning the attack is not solely focused on Vinícius, unlike at Real Madrid, where he has increasingly become a central figure.

4. Pressure and Expectations

The psychological aspect of playing for Brazil could also be a contributing factor. Playing for the Brazil national team comes with immense pressure and expectations, as the team has a rich history of success and a demanding fan base. While Vinicius is a young player who has thrived under pressure at Real Madrid, the weight of representing Brazil on the international stage can be different. The expectations for individual brilliance are high, especially given Brazil’s footballing legacy, and this could affect his confidence and performance.

In contrast, at Real Madrid, although the pressure is also high, Vinicius has grown into his role over time. He wasn’t expected to immediately become the star of the team, and this allowed him to develop without the same intensity of scrutiny. Moreover, at Madrid, his progression has been seen as a part of the team’s long-term project, giving him the space to grow into his role rather than be an instant solution.

5. Style of Play: Transition vs. Possession

Real Madrid’s style of play, particularly in high-profile Champions League matches, is often predicated on fast-paced counter-attacks. This suits Vinícius perfectly, as his speed and dribbling allow him to exploit open spaces left by opponents who push forward. Real Madrid often invites pressure from stronger teams and hits them on the counter, a system that allows Vinícius to flourish.

For Brazil, especially against less formidable opponents, the team is expected to dominate possession and break down deep-lying defences. Vinícius struggles more in these situations because his game is based on exploiting space, which is limited when teams sit back. This style of play does not necessarily align with his strengths, as he is more effective when the game is open and there’s room to manoeuvre.

6. Coaching Philosophy

The coaching philosophy at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti has also been key to Vinícius’ development. Ancelotti has given him the freedom to express himself on the pitch, encouraging his attacking instincts and minimizing tactical restraints. This trust has allowed Vinícius to take risks and become more confident in his decision-making.

On the other hand, Brazil’s national team coach, Tite (until his departure after the 2022 World Cup), employed a more disciplined tactical approach, where the wingers had to contribute more defensively. This system often limits the offensive freedom Vinícius enjoys at Real Madrid, leading to more cautious play and fewer chances to make the same kind of direct impact.

The reasons for Vinicius’ differing performances for Real Madrid and Brazil can be attributed to a combination of tactical, positional, and psychological factors. At Real Madrid, he benefits from a system tailored to his strengths - quick transitions, counter-attacks, and freedom in attacking play. The chemistry he has developed with his teammates, particularly in a more open style of football, allows him to thrive.

In contrast, Brazil’s more possession-based approach, the need to accommodate other star players, and the high-pressure environment of international football have constrained his performances for the national team. To see a more consistent version of Vinicius for Brazil, the national team may need to adjust its tactics to better suit his style, while Vinicius himself must continue to adapt to the unique demands of international football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar