LAHORE - Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori has credited former captain Babar Azam for playing a vital role in his successful innings against Australia, saying the experience of batting alongside one of the world's finest players significantly boosted his confidence and helped him settle at the crease.
Speaking to the media during Pakistan and Australia's training session at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, Ghori said contributing to the team's success remains his primary objective and that every positive performance strengthens his belief as he continues to establish himself at the international level.
"When your performance benefits the team, it naturally increases your confidence," Ghori said. "My focus is to maintain consistency and continue improving so that I can make meaningful contributions whenever the team requires."
Reflecting on his impressive partnership with Babar Azam during Pakistan's successful chase in the first ODI, the young wicketkeeper-batter highlighted the value of learning from a player of Babar's stature. "Babar was already well settled at the crease when I joined him, and his guidance was extremely helpful throughout the innings," he said. "Batting alongside a world-class player like Babar gives you confidence and allows you to play freely without feeling pressure."
Ghori revealed that the team management had given him clear instructions to spend time at the crease and build the innings rather than looking for quick runs. He said he followed the game plan carefully and focused on playing according to the team's requirements. "The situation demanded patience rather than aggressive stroke play. My role was to stay at the wicket, rotate the strike and help build a partnership. I tried to execute that plan to the best of my ability," he explained.
Addressing speculation regarding Pakistan's wicketkeeping position, Ghori dismissed suggestions that he was being viewed as a replacement for Mohammad Rizwan. "It would be incorrect to say that I am replacing Rizwan. He remains Pakistan's first-choice wicketkeeper and an important member of the team. I have simply been given an opportunity, and my responsibility is to make the most of it," he said.
The young cricketer also emphasised the importance of continuous self-improvement, saying he constantly works on identifying and correcting weaknesses in his game. "I do not have a specific cricketing idol at the moment. My focus is on improving myself every day and becoming a better player," he added.
Ghori added that he is prepared to bat in any position required by the team and remains committed to fulfilling whatever role is assigned to him. Commenting on Australia, he warned against underestimating the visitors despite the absence of several senior players. "Australia are a strong and experienced side capable of making a comeback at any stage of a match. Even without some of their senior players, they remain a very dangerous opponent and deserve full respect," Ghori concluded.
