Pakistan is all set to take on Sri Lanka in the 3-match ODI series at home soil, after a decade. Skipper Sarfaraz believes Babar will soon be among the likes of Smith and Kohli if he continues his fine form in international cricket.
"Babar Azam can be in that category the [of Smith, Kohli, Root and Williamson] way he is progressing. In truth, he even ranks among them now. If he can keep up his form, he'll begin to be talked among that list by everyone very quickly," Sarfaraz was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Babar Azam himself was quite excited for the Sri Lankan tour, saying that the first ODI at Karachi will be one of his biggest days when he takes the field as Pakistan vice-captain.
"I can't thank enough for the love and respect I have received from all my fans in the early days of my career. Friday will be one of my biggest days when I will take the field as Pakistan vice-captain. I will want the entire country as well as the National Stadium crowd to make this a day to remember for me.
"As a youngster, I have seen on television packed-to-capacity National Stadium for ODIs and the two matches that immediately come to my mind are the 2004 and 2008 ODIs against India. In 2004, Pakistan lost by five runs despite Inzamam-ul-Haq's brilliant century but four years later, Younis Khan's belligerent 123 not out steered us to eight wickets victory. I am hoping there will be a similar crowd number when we will play Sri Lanka," Babar said.
Babar Azam had a dream run in the recently concluded World Cup2019 as he became the leading run scorer for Pakistan in a single edition of the World Cup.