Umar Akmal claims he helped Babar Azam improve against spin bowling
Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has claimed that he played a role in helping Babar Azam tackle spin bowling, recalling that the former Pakistan captain once sought his advice on handling slow bowlers.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Akmal shared that Babar had approached him during a rough patch against spinners.
"I distinctly remember when he was struggling against spin, getting out around midwicket. He came to me and said, ‘Umar bhai, I’m having a bit of trouble,’” Akmal revealed.
Akmal says he advised Babar to make adjustments to his grip and shot selection.
"I asked him about his grip on the bat and suggested that when facing a spinner, he should adjust his grip and keep his eyes on the ball until it’s halfway to him. From there, he could choose to cut it or play a shot that wouldn’t go flat," he explained.
Babar’s struggle against spinners has been a growing concern, with his average and strike rate declining significantly in recent years. Once a dominant batter against spin, Babar averaged 82.1 against slow bowlers until the end of 2021. However, since then, his numbers have plummeted—his strike rate fell from 77.7 in 2023 to just 60.3 in 2025, with 20 dismissals to spinners in his last 39 innings.
Despite the recent slump, Akmal believes Babar has the potential to regain his form. However, when asked about his current relationship with Babar, Akmal appeared visibly upset and responded curtly:
"Everyone has their own life."