Babar Azam’s impact on the Pakistan T20I team has come under scrutiny as coach Mike Hesson highlighted his struggles during the powerplay phases. Ahead of an important Super Eights match against New Zealand, Hesson referred to Babar as a “fine player” suitable for middle-order batting rather than opening, indicating a significant shift in his role within the team.
Babar Azam’s Powerplay Performance
In T20 World Cup history, Babar Azam stands out for facing 217 balls in the powerplay, scoring just 187 runs. His strike rate of 86.17 is the lowest among players who have faced over 200 balls in that phase. This performance has raised concerns about his ability to contribute effectively during crucial early overs in T20 matches.
Current Role in the Team
- Babar Azam’s recent batting position has shifted to number four, where he has played during the bilateral T20I series against Australia and three World Cup matches.
- Though he remains a skilled batsman, his strike rate has been just over 120 in this new role.
- During a match against Namibia, Babar did not bat at all, marking a first in his T20I career.
Coach Hesson emphasized the need for Babar to adjust to his new role, stating that the team requires him to provide stability in the middle order. While Hesson recognized Babar’s strengths, he also mentioned that the team has other players capable of finishing innings more effectively.
Challenges Against Spin Bowlers
As Pakistan prepares to face New Zealand, Babar may find himself challenged by their left-arm spinners, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra. Despite Babar’s historical ability to handle spin without losing his wicket, his scoring rate against these bowlers has not been impressive.
- Against Santner, Babar has scored 61 runs in 56 balls, with a strike rate below 109.
- Against Ravindra, he has managed only 11 runs off 12 balls.
Future Implications
The evolution of Babar Azam’s role in the Pakistan T20I team raises questions about his long-term position within the squad. Hesson acknowledged that while Babar offers valuable skills, his current form limits his impact. The need for an effective middle-order player has led to a reevaluation of Babar’s place in the team, transforming him from a key player to a role that addresses specific match situations.
Babar Azam’s future in the T20I arena may depend on how well he adapts to his new responsibilities. Recognizing the importance of flexibility and performance, he must navigate these changes if he wishes to retain his spot in the national team.
