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Pakistan’s senior batter Babar Azam has been on the receiving end of criticism for not justifying his place in the side, especially in the middle order. Pakistan’s legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar reserved harsh criticism for Babar saying that he should’ve bid goodbye to the T20 format a long time ago. Akhtar went on to suggest that Babar should bat up the order if he is picked in the side or not play at all.
“First, Babar should have decided that this format is not for him. Secondly, if you want Babar to play, you should ensure he plays in the first six overs itself. It’s very simple. This is no rocket science," Akhtar said on Game On Hai.
Babar struggles in middle order
Babar is the leading run-scorer in T20Is but his strike rate has often been a topic of debate. In the ongoing T20 World Cup, he has not been in the best of forms. His best He scored 15 runs in a low-scoring run chase against Netherlands. Pakistan survived a scare in their campaign opener. Against USA, he showed some signs of progress with a 32-ball 46. In the run chase against India, he became part of the collapse and got knocked over for a single-digit score. In the must-win match against Namibia, Babar was demoted further down the order as Pakistan needed big-hitters after a good platform was set.
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Why Babar is playing in middle order?
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson pointed out Babar’s strike rate at the top of the order, especially in the T20 World Cups.
“Look, it’s the role the team requires, and Babar is well aware of that. I think he’s well aware his strike rate in the powerplay in World Cups is less than 100,” Hesson had said in a press conference.
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“We think he’s a fine player through the middle, if required, in terms of if we’re in a little bit of trouble. Or as we saw against the USA, once he gets himself set, he can increase his strike rate at that point. So, we brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup. We wanted some batsmanship through the middle, and he certainly brings that for us," he added.
Hafeez slams Hesson
Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez wasn’t convinced with Hesson’s reasoning. He doesn’t feel Babar is suited for the no.4 role. He further suggested that Babar should bat at no.3 if he is not walking in as an opener.
“Our coach, Mike Hesson, gave a statement on Babar Azam, ‘cannot bat in the first six overs since his strike-rate isn’t good enough per the record’, and he said Babar cannot strike it big even after the 10-over mark. Coach is saying we’re playing him at no.4, given him a role. If Babar has to play, then he should bat in the top three. I don’t think he’s suited at no. 4," Hafeez said.
Babar has a decent record at no.3 as well. From 40 innings, he has scored 1,372 runs at an average of 42.87. His strike rate of 125.64 is still ancient considering the modern T20 standards. He has 13 fifties at this position as well.
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