Babar Azam Credits Return to Basics for His 588 Runs PSL Record

Babar Azam – (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has reached the Babar Azam 588 runs PSL record in this year’s HBL Pakistan Super League, matching the all-time single-season record held by Fakhar Zaman. The stunning feat came after Babar smashed a match-winning hundred against Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium — a knock that pushed Peshawar Zalmi into their first PSL final in five years.

Babar’s century was his fourth in PSL history, and for him, the timing made it feel extra special. He said it was almost like a semi-final for his side, which is why he rated it so highly. “The team needed me to stay out there as long as possible, and I think that’s exactly what was required,” he explained after the match.

What makes this run more meaningful is the journey behind it. Babar went through a rough patch before the tournament started — a period he openly calls difficult. But rather than wait for others to fix things, he went back to basics on his own. He watched his old videos, studied his batting, and quietly figured out what was going wrong. “Time teaches you everything,” he said. “When you fall and come back stronger, it feels really good.”

His coaches played a supporting role too, and he gave them credit for their input. But he was clear that the biggest shift came from inside — from his own analysis and a stronger mental approach. He said the change was not about learning something new, but about becoming more disciplined and more focused on what already worked.

His strike rate this season sits above 146, and Babar says better execution is the main reason for that improvement. He has been working on his power hitting more than before and says he now has a clearer picture of what shots to play in different situations. “The execution is better now. I’m trying to understand what I can achieve or target in the given scenario,” he noted.

Babar chose not to dwell on the criticism he faced during his lean spell. He kept his answer simple — he stayed calm, focused on cricket, and let his bat do the talking. That approach clearly worked, as Zalmi rode his innings to a comfortable 70-run win and a place in the final.

With one game still to play, Babar now stands alone at the top of the batting charts this season. Whether he can go beyond Fakhar’s record remains to be seen, but the bigger story is how he bounced back — quietly, confidently, and on the biggest stage.