Pakistan captain Babar Azam has faced significant criticism and trolling after twin batting failures in a recent series against England. Known for his elegant and consistent performances, Babar’s underwhelming displays in two consecutive matches have left fans and critics questioning his form. While social media can often be harsh, the backlash against the Pakistan skipper has been particularly brutal, with fans sarcastically saying that Babar “can’t even score on highways,” referencing the supposedly easy batting conditions.
The Context: High Expectations and Disappointment
Babar Azam is widely regarded as one of the finest batsmen in modern cricket, often drawing comparisons to the likes of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. His consistency across all formats of the game has made him a vital asset for Pakistan, especially in the shorter formats. However, cricket is a game of ups and downs, and even the best players have bad days. Unfortunately for Babar, two bad innings against England came at a time when expectations were sky-high.
England’s bowling attack, while world-class, was expected to pose little threat on the flatter, more batting-friendly pitches in Pakistan. Fans anticipated that Babar, playing on his home turf, would rack up big scores with ease. When he failed to deliver in back-to-back games, the disappointment was palpable, and social media trolls wasted no time in mocking the Pakistan captain for his underperformance.
The Matches: Babar’s Struggles
In both of the matches against England, Babar Azam was dismissed cheaply, contributing little to Pakistan’s batting efforts. In the first match, he was bowled out for a low score, unable to get his innings going. The second match followed a similar pattern, with Babar falling early to an aggressive English bowling attack. His dismissals left fans shocked, as the pitches were generally regarded as “batting highways”—a term used to describe pitches with little movement or bounce, making them ideal for high scores.
The failures raised questions about Babar’s approach to handling pressure and whether he was struggling with technical flaws or simply going through a rough patch. Some fans speculated that the added burden of captaincy might be affecting his form, as leading the team in a high-profile series comes with immense pressure.
Social Media Backlash: Trolling and Criticism
Social media platforms exploded with memes, jokes, and criticism aimed at Babar Azam following his twin failures. The phrase “can’t even score on highways” quickly trended among cricket fans, mocking the perceived ease of batting on the Multan and Karachi pitches. Some fans posted sarcastic tweets about how even club cricketers could score on such pitches, taking jabs at Babar’s inability to capitalize.
The trolling wasn’t limited to casual fans; even former cricketers and analysts joined in the criticism. While many former players offered constructive advice, urging Babar to work on specific aspects of his technique, others were harsher, suggesting that his reputation as a world-class batsman was overblown. The trolling intensified when Pakistan lost the matches, with critics blaming Babar’s failures for the team’s struggles.
Despite the social media storm, many fans and analysts were quick to defend Babar, pointing out that even the best players go through rough patches and that a couple of poor performances shouldn’t overshadow his contributions to Pakistan cricket. His defenders emphasized that cricket is a team sport, and Pakistan’s losses couldn’t be blamed on one player alone.
Babar Azam’s Response
Babar Azam has always maintained a calm and composed demeanor in the face of criticism, and this instance was no different. While he didn’t directly address the trolling, he acknowledged that he hadn’t performed up to his usual standards and took responsibility for his failures. “I know I have not lived up to the expectations in these matches, and I will work hard to get back to form,” Babar said in a post-match interview. “As captain, it’s my duty to lead from the front, and I will ensure that I perform better in the upcoming games.”
Babar’s focus on improvement rather than dwelling on criticism is characteristic of his approach to the game. His ability to bounce back from failures has been evident throughout his career, and fans expect him to return to his best form soon. Cricket, after all, is a game of ebb and flow, and Babar has demonstrated time and again that he has the mental strength to overcome rough patches.
The Bigger Picture: Pressure on Star Players
The trolling of Babar Azam highlights a broader issue that star players face in the modern era of sports. With the rise of social media, athletes are constantly under the spotlight, and every failure is magnified. Babar, being the face of Pakistan cricket, is under immense pressure to perform in every match. Fans and critics often have short memories, forgetting the countless times a player has delivered when expectations were high.
Moreover, being a captain adds an extra layer of pressure, as Babar is not only expected to perform as a batsman but also to lead the team to victory. The dual responsibility can weigh heavily on players, affecting their individual performances. Babar is learning to navigate this challenging role, and while there will be bumps along the way, his track record suggests that he will adapt and overcome.
Looking Forward: Can Babar Bounce Back?
The twin failures against England may be a setback for Babar Azam, but they are unlikely to define his career. As one of the most talented batsmen in the world, Babar has the ability and temperament to bounce back stronger. He has faced difficult periods in the past and emerged better for them, and this experience will be no different.
Pakistan will look to Babar to regain his form as they prepare for upcoming challenges. His ability to play match-winning innings is crucial for the team’s success, and his fans will be hoping to see him silence his critics with a big score in the next match.
Conclusion: Babar Azam Faces Criticism but Remains Unfazed
Babar Azam’s twin failures against England have sparked a wave of trolling and criticism, but the Pakistan captain remains focused on improving his performance. While social media can often be unforgiving, Babar’s calm response and determination to bounce back highlight his resilience. As one of the most talented batsmen in the world, Babar’s rough patch is likely to be temporary, and his ability to perform under pressure will once again shine through.