Pakistan's cricket captain, Babar Azam, is drawing inspiration from the leadership style of former Indian captain MS Dhoni as he prepares his team for the upcoming World Cup. Azam has expressed his admiration for Dhoni's calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and ability to handle pressure, qualities he hopes to emulate in his own captaincy.

Babar Azam's admiration for MS Dhoni isn't new. Back in 2020, Azam praised Dhoni's leadership and fighting spirit, acknowledging his lasting legacy in the cricket world. Following Pakistan's victory against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, Azam had the opportunity to speak with Dhoni and seek advice on becoming a better captain. Dhoni, in turn, lauded Azam's batting and leadership abilities.

Leading up to the World Cup, Azam is focused on improving his decision-making skills and fostering a strong team environment. He believes that emulating Dhoni's leadership qualities will be crucial for Pakistan's success in the tournament. Azam aims to create a culture of calmness and composure within the team, allowing players to perform at their best under pressure.

Azam recognizes the importance of adaptability and strategic flexibility, key attributes of Dhoni's captaincy. He is working on developing different game plans and strategies to counter various opponents and match situations. Azam also emphasizes the significance of staying focused and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the tournament.

Babar Azam's focus isn't solely on leadership; he's also working on his batting. Despite being a top-ranked T20I batsman, he has faced criticism regarding his strike rate. Azam is aiming to improve his scoring rate and demonstrate more intent, particularly in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

While Azam broke Dhoni's record for most runs as captain in T20 World Cups in June 2024, he understands that records alone do not guarantee success. His primary goal is to lead Pakistan to victory in the World Cup, a feat that requires a combination of individual brilliance and collective teamwork.

As Pakistan prepares for the World Cup, Babar Azam's aspiration to mirror MS Dhoni's leadership style reflects his commitment to elevate his captaincy and guide his team to success.