Babar Azam, once heralded as a generational talent in Pakistani cricket, now faces scrutiny as his performance reflects a noticeable decline. Despite holding impressive statistics, his recent struggles have raised questions about his future and role in the team.
Babar Azam’s Challenges
Former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs, who previously coached Babar at Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, voiced concerns about Babar’s approach to the game. Gibbs noted that Babar has been reluctant to accept advice and suggested he needs to adopt more aggressive batting techniques to enhance his strike rate.
Performances Under Scrutiny
- Babar Azam has played in four T20 World Cups.
- He has not hit a six since 2021 during a match against India.
- In the 2025 season, Babar was dropped from the T20I setup but was later recalled.
- He scored only 202 runs in 11 innings for the Sydney Sixers this year.
His poor performance led to widespread debates regarding his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Babar remains the leading T20I run-scorer with 4,571 runs but has faced criticism for his strike rate of 128.18, which is the lowest among players with at least 3,500 runs.
Concerns Over Powerplay Performance
Coach Mike Hesson has been vocal about Babar’s performance during powerplays. Hesson shared that Babar’s strike rate in the powerplay is below 100 in T20 World Cup matches. Babar has managed just 187 runs off 217 balls in this phase across four tournaments.
His decision to not bat during a recent match against Namibia signaled a shift in his role, as young players were favored in key positions. Shadab Khan defended the team’s strategy, emphasizing clear communication regarding player roles.
Evolution or Stagnation?
Babar’s evolution in the game appears sluggish. His ability to adapt is crucial, especially as teams seek players capable of generating momentum. Despite his previous comparisons to cricket legends like Virat Kohli, Babar’s current performance casts doubt on his status as a top player.
- He is seen as a ‘match ka mujrim’ by fans.
- Former captain Rashid Latif attributes Babar’s decline to his mental state post-captaincy removals.
At 31, Babar’s future in T20 cricket remains uncertain. The pressure mounts as performances decline, and his contribution to the team dwindles. The expectations of modern T20 cricket continue to evolve, leaving Babar at a crossroads in his career.
