Babar Azam, the former Pakistan cricket captain and one of the country’s most prominent batting talents, is facing pressure to enhance his performance ahead of a possible return to the T20 International (T20I) squad. While he remains Pakistan’s batting cornerstone in formats like Test and One Day Internationals (ODIs), his recent performances in T20 cricket have raised concerns, specifically regarding his strike rate and his ability to tackle spin bowling.
Babar Azam’s T20I Dilemma
The 30-year-old Babar Azam, known for his elegant and technically sound batting, has been a consistent performer for Pakistan in ODIs and Tests. However, his recent performances in the T20 format have not lived up to expectations, and as a result, he has not been considered for Pakistan’s T20 squad since their tour of South Africa late in 2024.
Coach Mike Hesson has openly acknowledged that Babar’s struggles in T20 cricket, particularly against spin bowling, have been a cause for concern. With the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and other major T20 competitions on the horizon, the team management is focused on developing a well-rounded squad capable of handling the demands of T20 cricket.
While Babar has delivered countless memorable innings in the longer formats, his approach to T20 cricket has drawn criticism. His strike rate of 129 in T20Is, although decent, is considered modest compared to modern T20 standards. In this fast-paced format, where scoring quickly is crucial, Babar’s inability to accelerate and deal effectively with spin bowling has been highlighted by experts and coaches alike.
Babar Azam’s Lack of T20I Action
Babar’s absence from the T20I squad has also coincided with the rise of new players who have performed exceptionally well. Players like Sahibzada Farhan have shown their capabilities in T20 cricket, earning praise for their aggressive approach and match-winning performances. Farhan, in particular, has caught the selectors’ attention, winning three Player of the Match awards in just six games. This rise of young talent has only added pressure on Babar to prove himself once again.
The fact that Babar Azam was omitted from Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup is a significant development in his career. The Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament in which Pakistan’s top players typically shine, and being excluded from the squad is seen as a clear indication that Babar needs to work on his T20 skills to regain his place in the team.
Pakistan’s current T20 squad has been performing well under the leadership of other players, and the team management is keen on giving younger players more opportunities to shine. This has prompted Babar Azam to reflect on his game and take decisive steps to work on the areas that need improvement.
Focus on Strike Rate and Spin Bowling
One of the key areas identified by Coach Mike Hesson for Babar’s improvement is his strike rate. In T20 cricket, maintaining a high strike rate is crucial, as it allows a team to maximize scoring opportunities, particularly in the middle and death overs. Babar, however, has struggled to score at a rate that matches the aggressive nature of modern-day T20 cricket.
Hesson emphasized that Babar needs to adapt to the changing demands of the T20 format, where the ability to score quickly from the outset is essential. While Babar’s technique and composure are valuable assets, the current T20 landscape requires players to be more dynamic and proactive in their approach, especially against spin bowlers. This is another area where Babar has faced challenges.
Spin bowling, particularly in subcontinental conditions, has often troubled Babar Azam. Although he is technically sound, his inability to dominate spinners and rotate the strike efficiently has been a limiting factor in his T20 performances. For a player who has made his mark in all formats of the game, this limitation in T20 cricket has raised doubts about his adaptability in the shortest format.
The Big Bash League Opportunity
In an effort to reignite Babar’s T20 career, Coach Hesson has suggested that the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia could provide the perfect platform for Babar to hone his T20 skills. The BBL is one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world, featuring top international players and providing a high standard of cricket. Playing in the BBL would allow Babar to test himself against some of the best bowlers in the world, particularly in terms of handling spin and maintaining a fast scoring rate.
Babar Azam’s participation in the Big Bash League could offer him valuable exposure to different playing conditions and further improve his ability to play under pressure. Hesson is confident that Babar, given his class and ability, can return to T20 cricket in top form if he focuses on improving his weaknesses. “Babar has the opportunity to play in the Big Bash and show he’s improving in those areas in T20s. He’s too good a player not to consider,” said Hesson, reinforcing the belief that Babar still has a major role to play in Pakistan’s T20 future.
Pakistan’s Changing T20 Landscape
The rise of new talent in Pakistan’s T20 setup has changed the dynamics of the team. Players like Farhan, along with established stars such as Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have stepped up and delivered exceptional performances in recent T20Is. This has given the selectors more options and created a sense of healthy competition within the squad.
As a result, Babar Azam faces a challenging road ahead if he wants to make a successful return to the T20 team. His path to a T20 comeback is not just about improving his personal performance but also about proving to the selectors and team management that he can contribute to Pakistan’s T20 success in the future.
Looking Ahead to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in February 2025, will be a key event for Pakistan’s cricket team. With the competition fast approaching, Babar Azam’s T20 comeback could be vital to Pakistan’s chances in the tournament. Although he has been absent from the T20I squad for a while, Babar’s experience and ability in big-match situations cannot be discounted.
Pakistan’s opening match in the Champions Trophy will be against Oman, followed by a high-stakes encounter with arch-rivals India. These matches will be crucial for both teams, and Babar’s experience could prove invaluable if he manages to make a successful comeback in time. His presence in the squad could provide the necessary stability and composure to the team, especially in pressure situations.
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s omission from the Asia Cup squad and the subsequent challenges he faces in T20 cricket highlight the evolving nature of Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. While Babar’s contributions in Test and ODI formats are well-established, his ability to adapt to T20 cricket is now under scrutiny. The pressure is on him to improve his strike rate, handle spin better, and prove that he can contribute to Pakistan’s success in T20Is.
With the Big Bash League potentially providing the perfect opportunity for Babar to showcase his improvements, the coming months will be crucial for his T20I future. If he can rise to the challenge and work on the areas identified by the coaching staff, there is little doubt that Babar Azam will return to the T20 fold and once again lead Pakistan’s charge in the shortest format of the game.
