"When A Huge Player Passes...": Babar Azam Reacts To Ricky Ponting's "There's Room For Improvement" Comment On Him

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said it was an honour to hear Australia great Ricky Ponting's recent claim that the Pakistan batter's best form with the bat and as a captain is still ahead of him. Ponting was full of praise for Babar when he spoke in a recent episode of The ICC Review, saying the Pakistan skipper was capable of breaking even more records during the remainder of his career.

"I think Babar's still got a little bit of improvement to come, which is a pretty scary thought with what he's been able to do, pretty much across all three formats over the last three, four years. I love watching him play. I think there's some room for improvement, let's hope we see it," Ponting said after Babar won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year for the first time and ODI Cricketer of the Year for the second straight year.

Babar said it was a great thrill to hear what Ponting had said and that it would provide him with further confidence.

"You get confidence when a legendary player gives you a compliment and you try to be better. When such a huge player passes positive comments, it adds to your confidence and you have it in your mind that such a huge player is talking good about you," Babar told ICC Digital.

"Because these players have been through a similar stage so they know what mindset I have. They have been through similar scenarios and have knowledge of the game. So yes, I try to take these comments in a positive way and try to produce my best," he added.

With Babar leading the team, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of a second consecutive T20 World Cup. Ponting feels Babar will continue to learn and grow as a captain.

"I must admit he looked like he got a little bit flustered at times at the T20 World