Pakistan captain Babar Azam was bombarded with questions over his captaincy future following a winless Test season at home.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand beginning on Monday, Babar shut down a journalist when asked if he was thinking about stepping down as Test captain because of his poor (captaincy) record at home since last year.

“I think we are having a white-ball series now and the Test matches are over. So if you have any questions about this white-ball series, ask about that,” Babar shot back on the eve of the first ODI.

When Babar was asked again about his captaincy and whether it was affecting his batting, he retorted: “I don’t have to justify myself to anyone. I know how I am doing. And my focus is on performing well for Pakistan.”

Babar also said the players were excited about the oneday series beginning at the National Stadium.

“In white-ball formats, we have performed well and we want to continue with that momentum against New Zealand although we know they are a very good side and it will be a tough series for both teams,” he said.

Babar also made it clear he had no issues with the interim chief selector Shahid Afridi on the selection of players, and said he and the head coach were giving their inputs and outlining their plans to the selectors regularly and in meetings. “I think we are on the same page. We have our best bowlers back and hopefully, we can do well against New Zealand,” Babar stated.

⚫ Match starts: 3pm IST. Live on Sony Sports Network.

Written with PTI inputs