Mohammad Yousuf wants Azam Khan to learn from Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson

Mohammad Yousuf has lavished praise on youngster Azam Khan for his eye-catching strokes and timing. While appreciating Khan’s batting, the former right-handed elegant batter also had a word of advice to him. Yousuf wants the young batter to curb his aggressive style of play and wants him to learn from players such as Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.

Azam Khan is the son of former wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan and the 22-year-old was part of the Quetta Gladiator squad during this edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL). While he didn’t set the stage on fire, Azam’s strike rate of 144.11 and his ability to hit huge sixes caught the attention of fans and critics alike. He scored 98 runs in five matches before the tournament had to be suspended because of rising COVID-19 cases within the squad.

While speaking in an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Yousuf had a piece of advice for the future Pakistan player. “Sixes are important, but only when the time and moment is correct. If the scoreboard is ticking, there’s no need. Look at these big players, that’s how these guys play – Kohli, Williamson, Babar and Rohit.”

Azam Khan should learn to curb his emotions while playing cricket

Yousuf also stated that he wants the batter to play risk-free cricket by hitting the ball in gaps and by rotating strike just like Kane Williamson and Kohli. When Azam initially started playing cricket, he was bit plump and not agile while moving. The management in no uncertain terms told the youngster to reduce weight which he did later on. Yousuf also feels Azam is working hard on his game and is striving to get better each day.

“He’s young and has just played one season of First-Class cricket. He’s an excited and emotional player who likes to hit sixes. He plays amazing cover drives and on drives but has this sudden urge of hitting sixes. One, he’s playing more T20s leagues and second, sixes are liked a lot more. But the amount of hard work he has shown in his hard work and in batting deserve a praise.”

In his short career so far, Azam Khan has impressed more in T20 format having scored 743 runs in 36 matches with four fifties to his name.

The Journey Of Babar Azam | From A Ball Boy To The No. 1 ODI Batsman & Main Man Of Pakistan