Babar Azam is back in the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad, but his role is changing. Head coach Mike Hesson says Babar's strike rate against spin is a concern, with a rate of just over 100, which is not high enough for the middle overs.
What happened?
Babar was dropped for the Asia Cup, but has since found his way back into the squad. However, he was not an automatic choice at the top of the order, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub holding the opening roles.
In a recent match against Namibia, Farhan strengthened his case with a century, his fifth T20 hundred since 2025. Babar, on the other hand, was held back, with Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan sent ahead of him.
Why it matters for Babar Azam
Hesson says Babar's skills are not ideally suited to the PowerPlay, with only two fielders outside the circle. Babar's strike rate in the PowerPlay in World Cups is less than 100 in T20s, which is not what the team needs.
What comes next?
Pakistan have the option of replacing Babar in the XI, but they appear to trust him to play a steadying hand if required. Fakhar Zaman, with his more attacking and left-handed option, remains available should conditions demand a different approach.
Hesson says the team has plenty of other options who can come in and perform the role towards the end. Babar is aware of his strengths and weaknesses, and knows that he's got a certain set of skills that the team requires.
On 18 Jun, Pakistan played against the USA, and Babar got himself set, increasing his strike rate at that point. Hesson says Babar brings batsmanship through the middle, which is what the team needs.
The team's flexibility within the squad is important, with Hesson saying that if they end up having to play a lot of left-arm spin and the ball turns, the advantage of having a left-handed option like Fakhar is important.
Babar's return to the squad is a positive sign for Pakistan, but his new role will be closely watched. With the T20 World Cup underway, Pakistan will be looking to make the most of their squad, and Babar's contribution will be key.
The match against New Zealand will be a crucial test for Pakistan, and Babar's role in the team will be closely scrutinized. With his skills and experience, he can make a significant impact, but it remains to be seen how he will perform in his new role.
Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson has made it clear that Babar's role is not set in stone, and that the team will adapt to the situation. This flexibility will be important as the tournament progresses, and Pakistan looks to make a deep run.
The T20 World Cup is a competitive tournament, and Pakistan will need all their players to perform at their best. Babar's new role is just one aspect of the team's strategy, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
As the tournament continues, Pakistan's squad will be closely watched, and Babar's contribution will be key to their success. With his experience and skills, he can make a significant impact, and his new role will be closely scrutinized.