Karachi: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, one of the best all-format batsmen of the world, said he idolises Mohammed Yousuf and enjoyed to watch the former Pakistan right-handed batsman play.
Azam, who has been recently appointed as Pakistan’s captain in all three formats, said Yousuf had a lot of time to play the ball. “My idol is Mohammad Yousuf. He was such a classy player. He had all the time in the world to play the ball. I always enjoyed watching him bat,” Azam was quoted as saying to Sportstar.
Yousuf retired in 2010. He is one of the greatest batsmen to have played for Pakistan. He represented Pakistan in 90 Tests, 288 ODIs, and 3 T20Is. Asked about the comparisons with Virat Kohli, the 26-year-old right-hander said he takes it as a compliment and uses it to keep higher benchmarks for himself.
“I know. It does feel nice that you are compared to some very good players in the game. My mindset is that I challenge myself. I set myself targets. I set myself benchmarks. I have to win matches for Pakistan. And win matches which help the team,” Azam said.
“Comparisons with big players also help you to set goals that match those of the big players. If your name figures in the top five of the world it is obviously a nice feeling. It also means that you have to keep performing to those standards and that boosts your confidence too. I like it,” the Pakistan skipper added.
