'Let the kid play' - Babar Azam recalls Shoaib Malik's gesture that helped him battle nervousness in his initial days

Having a senior player by your side always helps. The senior player, with his vast experience can offer advice, or can even offer small words of encouragement that can go a long way in motivating a youngster. Ask Virat Kohli about the calming influence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, or even ask Dhoni about Sachin Tendulkar, and you will understand why.

Now, Babar Azam has a story to share on how the experienced Shoaib Malik once helped him to calm down when he was very nervous. In 2021, Babar is seen as the batting superstar of Pakistan cricket, and is the man on whom the entire country pins its hopes on. But way back in the year 2012, Babar had not even made his debut for his country and was just an aspiring 18-year-old cricketer.

Babar said that during December 2012, the Pakistan side was to tour India for a limited overs series. And at that time, he was called into the side for a practice match. The current Pakistan skipper added that he was extremely nervous when he walked out to bat. And, that was when Shoaib Malik intervened and asked everyone to just allow Babar to play.

“It was Dec 2012. Pakistan team was about to tour India. I was called in for a side practice match. When it was my turn to bat I was nervous. He walked to me, calmed me down and told everyone around: Let the kid play!,” said Azam as quoted by the news.

Babar Azam is gearing up for the second Test against South Africa

Babar Azam is currently gearing up for the second Test against South Africa that will get underway tomorrow (4^th February 2021). Pakistan is already 1-0 up in the series, and will be looking to achieve a whitewash.

With the willow, Azam has already achieved incredible heights. He averages above 50 in both ODI as well as T20I cricket, and also holds the record for being the fastest batsman to 1000 T20I runs. Also, in the last 3 years (2018,2019 and 2020), Azam has been in scintillating form in Test cricket. While in 2018, he averaged 56.00, in 2019 and 2020, the right-handed batting superstar averaged 68.44 and 67.60 respectively.