Babar Azam Opens Up on Working With Ottis Gibson and Mike Hesson

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam has opened up about working under two very different coaching styles, saying both Ottis Gibson and Mike Hesson helped him grow as a batter in their own way.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Babar Azam said Gibson gave him complete freedom and never tried to impose a fixed method on his batting.

According to Babar, Gibson made it clear from their first meeting that he did not want to burden him with special instructions. Instead, he simply asked him to play his natural game and enjoy his cricket.

Babar said that approach gave him confidence and allowed him to trust his own judgment in different match situations. He added that players often hear different opinions from different people, but it depends on how they absorb them and apply them.

He then contrasted that style with Mike Hesson’s more structured approach. Babar said Hesson also gives players confidence, but is more specific about what he expects from them in a particular role.

The former Pakistan captain said he was asked to bat in different positions under Hesson, including number four, which required a mental adjustment.

Babar admitted that changing batting positions is not easy and said every role demands a different mindset. He stressed that players need time to adapt and cannot be expected to deliver instantly in a new position.

He also appeared to take aim at the pressure for immediate results, saying people now expect players to perform within a day or two, even though settling into a new role naturally takes time.

Babar’s remarks came as Peshawar Zalmi prepare for the PSL 11 final against Hyderabad Kingsmen. Zalmi reached the title clash after crushing Islamabad United by 70 runs in the Qualifier, while Hyderabad booked their place with wins over Multan Sultans and Islamabad in the Eliminators.

The final will mark Zalmi’s fifth appearance in a PSL final, while Hyderabad have reached the title decider in their debut season.

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