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About Babar Azam T20 Comeback: Babar Azam, is the former cricketer and captain of Pakistan team and one of the nation’s most gifted batters, is under renewed pressure to elevate his performance for a potential return to the T20 International (T20I) squad.
While Babar remains Pakistan’s main batting pillar in the Tests and ODIs. His recent form in T20 cricket has raised concerns, specifically and particularly regarding his strike rate and his ability to handle spin bowling effectively.
With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, Pakistan’s management is urging about Babar that he should to adapt his game to modern T20 demands if he wants to reclaim his spot.
Babar Azam T20 Comeback Challenges
At the age of 30, Babar Azam is known for his elegant stroke play and solid technique in Cricket. Yet his recent T20 performances have fallen below expectations. Since Pakistan’s 2024 South Africa tour, he has not been a part of the T20I setup, a surprising development for a player of his stature.
Head coach Mike Hesson acknowledged that Babar’s struggles, particularly against spin bowling and maintaining a high strike rate, have been key reasons behind his exclusion. As Pakistan builds a more aggressive T20 squad, the selectors are emphasizing versatility and power-hitting areas. Babar must refine his batting because we need a moment where hitting is needed for the chasing runs in a tough situation.
The Strike Rate Dilemma
In modern T20 cricket, a strike rate above 140 is often considered the benchmark and necessary for top-order batters. Babar’s career T20I strike rate of 129 is solid but not exceptional. Critics argue that while he anchors innings effectively, he sometimes struggles to accelerate during middle overs especially against spin.
Hesson believes Babar must focus on improving his strike rate to align with the team’s aggressive batting philosophy.
“Babar has all the technical skills, but the game has evolved. T20 demands instant acceleration and intent,” said Hesson.
If Babar can adopt a more proactive approach, his class and consistency could still make him indispensable to Pakistan’s T20 setup.
Struggles Against Spin Bowling
Spin bowling has been another challenge for Babar, particularly on subcontinental pitches where spin dominates. Although he is technically sound, he often finds it difficult to rotate the strike and dominate spinners a key aspect of modern T20 batting.
In pressure situations this weakness has limited his ability to accelerate resulting in dot balls and reduced scoring momentum. To make a successful T20 comeback, handling spin effectively will be as crucial as increasing his overall strike rate.
Babar Azam’s Absence and New Rising Stars
During Babar’s absence, Pakistan’s T20 lineup has seen exciting new talent emerge.
Sahibzada Farhan, in particular, has impressed selectors by winning three Player of the Match awards in just six games, displaying the kind of fearless batting style modern T20 cricket demands.
With Pakistan performing well under new leadership, selectors are giving younger players more opportunities meaning Babar must now earn his place back through performance rather than reputation.
His omission from the 2025 Asia Cup squad was another wake-up call. For a player who has led Pakistan with distinction, this exclusion signals the team’s renewed focus on aggression and adaptability.
The Big Bash League Opportunity
Testing Himself in New Conditions
To regain his T20 edge, Coach Hesson has encouraged Babar to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.
The BBL provides an ideal environment to refine skills, face elite international bowlers, and adapt to faster-paced T20 cricket. Competing in Australia’s challenging conditions will also test Babar’s ability to accelerate scoring and handle spin and pace variations effectively.
A Path to Reinvention
Participation in the BBL could help Babar rebrand himself as a more dynamic T20 batter. Exposure to varied conditions, crowd expectations, and high intensity matches may provide the perfect preparation for his Pakistan T20 comeback ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
“He is too good a player not to consider,” Hesson said. “If Babar improves those areas, he will be back where he belongs at the top.”
Pakistan’s Changing T20 Landscape
Pakistan’s T20 squad is evolving rapidly. With power hitters like Farhan, Rizwan, and even Shaheen Afridi taking charge, the competition for places has intensified.
This new generation brings fearless intent and higher scoring rates, which is something Pakistan lacked in previous years.
For Babar, the challenge now is not just about personal form but also about fitting into Pakistan’s aggressive, fast-paced T20 blueprint. His ability to adapt will determine whether he becomes part of the team’s next phase of success.
Looking Ahead to the Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin in February, will be a defining moment for Pakistan cricket. Babar Azam’s potential inclusion could provide valuable experience and leadership in high-pressure matches especially against rivals like India.
Pakistan’s first game against Oman, followed by the clash with India, will test the team’s new strategy. If Babar improves his strike rate and strengthens his approach against spin, his comeback could play a vital role in Pakistan’s success.
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s T20 journey is at a crossroads. His consistent performances in Tests and ODIs are undeniable, but the T20 format demands reinvention. The message from Pakistan’s management is clear: adapt or fall behind.
To reclaim his place, Babar must focus on:
- Increasing his strike rate
- Tackling spin bowling with more intent
- Playing more global T20 leagues like the BBL to gain experience
If he can evolve his game, Babar Azam could once again become the heartbeat of Pakistan’s T20 lineup balancing class with aggression and experience with innovation.
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