If you’re a Pakistan cricket fan, you’ve definitely found yourself in a heated debate over this question: Does Babar Azam still deserve a place in the T20I team for Pakistan?
Babar Azam has long been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting line-up, known for his elegant strokeplay and steady innings. But with the evolution of T20 cricket and the rising demand for explosive batting, many are questioning his current role in the side.
A Glimpse Into Babar Azam’s T20I Career
Babar made his T20I debut in 2016 and has since racked up over 3,485 runs in 100+ matches, maintaining an average of around 41. His name is often seen in ICC T20 rankings, placing him among the best in the world statistically.
If you check his official profile on Cricbuzz or ESPN Cricinfo, you’ll find a solid body of work. But numbers don’t tell the whole story.
T20I Cricket Has Changed – Has Babar?
The role of an anchor batter, which Babar plays so well, is now under scrutiny. T20 cricket has shifted dramatically. Now, it’s about strike rate, not just average.
Where modern T20 batters like Jos Buttler or Suryakumar Yadav strike at 145+, Babar Azam hovers around 128–130.
This has raised concerns: Is he scoring fast enough for Pakistan’s needs?
Babar Azam in the Powerplay – A Slow Start?
In most matches, Babar opens the innings and takes time to settle in. While this helps avoid early wickets, it often results in Pakistan scoring underwhelming Powerplay totals like 38/1 or 42/2—far from ideal in T20Is.
Cricket experts argue that Pakistan’s top-order problems are tied to this conservative approach.
Should Babar Drop to No. 3?
Some analysts believe Babar could play a more useful role at No. 3. This would allow aggressive openers like Saim Ayub or Mohammad Haris—who have a 150+ strike rate—to attack from ball one.
This would mirror how teams like England or India use power hitters up front and rely on stability later.
Emerging Talent Breathing Down His Neck
Pakistan has no shortage of T20-ready players. Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Haris have been lighting up domestic T20 leagues with aggressive intent.
Many fans searching “Who can replace Babar Azam in T20Is?” are leaning toward these young guns.
Babar Azam vs Saim Ayub – A Future Battle?
Both players have different styles, but Ayub’s aggression may be more suited for modern-day T20 demands. A simple search for Saim Ayub vs Babar Azam comparison will show growing support for Ayub’s approach.
Babar’s Leadership – A Double-Edged Sword?
Babar’s calm demeanor made him a natural leader. But in T20I captaincy, being bold and reactive is crucial. Critics feel he’s too passive in high-pressure games, especially when compared to the likes of Jos Buttler or Rohit Sharma.
He was recently removed as T20I captain, possibly freeing him to focus on his batting alone.
Performance in Big Tournaments
Babar’s T20 World Cup stats are decent but not game-changing. In 2021, he was excellent in group stages but went quiet in the knockout. In 2022, he struggled in early matches and only found form late.
Searches like “Babar Azam World Cup performance” reflect the fan frustration over his inability to dominate the biggest stages.
Public Opinion – Fans Are Divided
Some fans still consider him Pakistan’s best batsman, while others argue he’s holding the team back. Social media debates and YouTube videos titled “Should Babar Azam be dropped from T20Is?” show just how polarizing he has become.
Tactical Flexibility – The Way Forward
Instead of benching him completely, Pakistan could use Babar more tactically:
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Bat at No. 3
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Avoid playing him on extremely flat pitches where high scoring is crucial
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Rotate him based on the opposition
Cricket boards like PCB must rethink Pakistan T20 squad strategy moving forward.
Transactional Opportunities for Fans
Whether you’re a supporter or critic, fans continue to show love for Babar Azam by:
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Buying Babar Azam jerseys online
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Streaming Babar Azam highlights on YouTube
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Booking T20I match tickets to see him live
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Joining fantasy leagues where Babar is still a top pick
Check out official Pakistan team merchandise or Babar Azam’s cricket bat model online—it’s still in high demand!
Conclusion – Should He Stay or Go?
So, does Babar Azam still deserve a place in the T20I side?
The answer isn’t black or white.
He deserves a spot, but not the role he has held for years. If he’s willing to adapt—score quicker, drop down the order, and play situational cricket—he can still be an asset.
But if not, Pakistan must be bold and give newer players a real chance. The future of Pakistan T20 cricket depends on a dynamic, flexible approach—not just on sentiment.
FAQs
Q1. What is Babar Azam’s strike rate in T20Is?
Ans: His career strike rate is around 129, which is considered moderate in today’s T20 landscape.
Q2. Who can replace Babar Azam in the T20I team?
Ans: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Fakhar Zaman are strong options for top-order roles.
Q3. Has Babar Azam improved his T20 strike rate recently?
Ans: He has shown signs of improvement in domestic leagues but not significantly in international T20s.
Q4. Is Babar Azam still captain of the T20 team?
Ans: No, he was recently removed from T20I captaincy to focus on his batting.
Q5. Where can I buy Babar Azam cricket gear?
Ans: You can find official merchandise, jerseys, and bats online on major cricket gear websites.