LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has expressed confidence ahead of his second stint as leader of the national red-ball side, saying he returns with greater maturity, valuable experience and a renewed mindset focused on discipline, fitness and performance.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Straight Drive with Salman Butt, Babar described leading Pakistan as a privilege and said he was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
"Whenever you get the opportunity to captain Pakistan, it is always an honour," Babar said. "I have learnt a lot from my previous experience as captain and also from the time I played as a player. With time, you gain maturity and clarity. I am confident that this time, with good planning and a positive mindset, I will lead the team well."
Reflecting on his previous tenure as captain, Babar acknowledged that leadership comes with both successes and mistakes, adding that self-assessment had helped him become a better leader.
"As captain, you make good decisions and sometimes you feel you could have done better. When you sit down and reflect, you get a clearer picture. I have rebuilt my mindset, brought more clarity into it and taken things positively," he said.
Babar also highlighted the importance of nurturing Pakistan's emerging talent, noting that the current Test squad features several outstanding performers from domestic cricket. He stressed that supporting young players through difficult phases would remain one of his primary responsibilities.
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"This is a young team with some of the best performers from domestic cricket. As a senior player and captain, my job is to get the best performances from them, keep them relaxed and back them in difficult times. International cricket is a pressure game, so I try to take pressure off the youngsters by speaking to them on and off the field," he said.
The Pakistan skipper made it clear that discipline, fitness and performance would form the foundation of his leadership.
"My main focus is on three things: discipline, fitness and performance. These will matter a lot for me as captain and for the team going forward. Whenever I get the opportunity to lead, I always try to back the players, but I will not compromise on these three things," Babar said.
Speaking about the recently concluded National Cricket Academy (NCA) Red-Ball Camp, Babar described it as a crucial step in preparing the squad for the demands of Test cricket.
He said the camp primarily focused on improving players' fitness, fielding standards and mental resilience, areas where Pakistan had previously fallen short during long-format matches.
"This camp was very important for us as a team, as players and as a group. In Test cricket, we felt that we were lagging behind in fitness at times, whether in batting, bowling or fielding. Training in tough conditions helps players become stronger and prepares them better for match pressure," he said.
According to Babar, the coaching staff also worked extensively with players on dealing with pressure situations, overcoming setbacks during matches and responding effectively when opponents attempted to dictate proceedings.
Looking ahead to Pakistan's upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, Babar expressed confidence in the team's preparations, saying the camp had been designed with overseas conditions in mind.
"We prepared according to the conditions we expect in the West Indies and England. The West Indies tour will be challenging, but we have prepared for it. In England, many of our players have county experience and understand the conditions, which will help us," he said.
On his own batting, Babar said his approach has always been dictated by the team's requirements rather than personal milestones. Whether the situation demands aggressive stroke play or patient defence, he said his priority remains contributing to the team's success.
Addressing criticism from outside the dressing room, Babar said players welcome constructive feedback but prefer to ignore negativity that offers no value.
He also encouraged aspiring cricketers to remain patient and committed to their routines, saying consistent hard work eventually brings results.