Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has reacted to praise lavished on him by legendary Australian batter Ricky Ponting.
The prolific batter said that Ponting’s comments were a confidence booster for him.
"You get confidence when a legendary player gives you a compliment and you try to be better," Babar told ICC Digital.
"When such a huge player passes positive comments, it adds to your confidence and you have it in your mind that such a huge player is talking good about you.
"Because these players have been through a similar stage so they know what mindset I have. They have been through similar scenarios and have knowledge of the game.
"So yes, I try to take these comments in a positive way and try to produce my best."
It must be noted that Ponting had recently said that Azam’s best form with the bat and as a captain is still ahead of him.
"I think Babar’s still got a little bit of improvement to come, which is a pretty scary thought with what he’s been able to do, pretty much across all three formats over the last three, four years," Ponting had said, after Babar won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year for the first time and ODI Cricketer of the Year for the second straight year.
"I love watching him play. I think there’s some room for improvement, let’s hope we see it.
“I’m sure with a bit more experience under his belt, like he’s done with his batting, I’m sure he’ll find the right way to lead and be a very successful captain of Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, Azam also shed light on the philosophy behind his captaincy on the field.
“My [captaincy] style is that you have to be honest with your decisions," said Babar.
“Play the team that is best for Pakistan and go with the right players.
“When you are on the field, you have to give confidence to your players. The more you give confidence the better you can get out of them.”
“What a player is thinking and how can you put him in his comfort zone, that is what matters to me.”
- Babar Azam