After ending an 807-day wait for an One-day International century, Babar Azam spoke less like a man relieved and more like one reborn.

The runs had finally returned, but it was his reflections — on belief, self-doubt, criticism and resilience — that dominated his post-match press conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The former Pakistan captain, who steered the side to an eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 102, described the last few months as some of the most challenging of his career. Yet, in recounting them, he slipped naturally into the tone of a motivational speaker.

“It was a tough time,” he said. “But I tried to back myself as much as possible. I worked on the things I felt needed improvement — my fitness, my batting, everything. In the end it’s about belief. As a cricketer these phases come in your life, but you have to follow your plan every single day. Eventually the reward comes.”

He admitted there were moments of doubt. “Sometimes you think, ‘why always me?’ But motivation lasts two or three days. Hard work and dedication — that you must do every day.”

Babar was quick to acknowledge those who stood by him during a period in which he lost the captaincy, was dropped, and faced sustained media scrutiny and social-media criticism.

“I think the credit goes to all the people close to me — my family, my friends, the coaches,” he said, singling out longtime mentors, coach Shahid Aslam and and former team Pakistan manager Mansoor Rana.

“I’ve grown up playing under them. They know what I need and when I need it.” But ultimately, he insisted, the responsibility lies within. “People can only guide you. You have to get up yourself.”

Asked about the barrage of criticism he faced during his slump — including what one reporter called a “media trial” — Babar remained unmoved.

“I ignored it,” he said plainly. “My job is to play cricket. What happens outside is not in my hands. Every person has their own point of view.”

Even on the night he finally shut down the noise with a century, he declined to take a shot at his critics.

“In two years I didn’t give an answer, and even today I won’t. My focus is on performing on the field.”

If the pressure was immense, the support — inside and outside the dressing room — was equally significant, Babar said.

“Whichever team you play for, your team-mates back you. Fakhar, Haris, Rizwan, Shaheen, Agha… even the youngsters Saim and Haseebullah. Their confidence in me was a big boost.”

He reserved special gratitude for the public. “Fans never left me, not even in bad times. In tough times you learn who is truly with you.”

Even after drawing level with former opener Saeed Anwar’s 20 ODI centuries, Babar insisted personal milestones remain secondary.

“I don’t think about records. The main focus is to win matches. Records are made along the way.” The century, he said, would help him carry confidence into the coming assignments.

“Whenever you score, it gives you belief. God-willing, I’ll take this confidence into the next series.”