5 Big Cricketers Who Have Been Out Of Form Lately

Babar Azam has been in dismal form across formats (X)Babar Azam has been in dismal form across formats (X)

Even the greatest cricketers sometimes find themselves in the rough, battling through a slump that leaves fans scratching their heads. These are the moments when form deserts them, and the runs or wickets that once came so easily now seem as rare as hen's teeth.

As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining, but for these five, the silver lining seems a bit elusive at the moment.

Whether it's the weight of expectations or simply a case of bad luck, these players are currently grappling with a dip in form that has left the cricketing fraternity wondering when they will bounce back to their former glory.

Here’s a look at five big names who are currently out of form.

5. Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne (Twitter)Marnus Labuschagne (Twitter)

Once the golden boy of Australian cricket, Marnus Labuschagne seemed unstoppable between 2019 and 2021, averaging close to 60.00 across formats.

However, since then, his form has taken a nosedive. In 2022, his average across formats dipped to 41.61, and in 2023, it slid further to 39.73.

This year has been particularly challenging for Labuschagne, as he has managed just 266 runs in 11 innings at a disappointing average of 29.55, with only three fifties and no centuries to his name.

4. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan (Twitter)Shakib Al Hasan (Twitter)

Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s cricketing stalwarts, has found himself in a rough patch in 2024. His batting form has been particularly alarming, with just 220 runs in 13 innings across 14 matches, averaging a paltry 18.33 with a strike rate of 93.61.

His brilliance with the ball has also waned, having taken only 14 wickets at an average of 35.69, which is far below his usual standards.

As Shakib faces Pakistan in a two-match Test series, he’ll be keen to turn the tide and prove that there’s still plenty of fire left in him.

3. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj (Twitter)Mohammed Siraj (Twitter)

After a stellar 2023 where Mohammed Siraj was nothing short of sensational, picking up 60 wickets in 34 matches across formats, 2024 has been a different story altogether.

The pacer has managed just 18 wickets in 19 innings this year at an average of 33.16, signalling a significant dip in form.

As a key member of India’s pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj’s recent performances, including during India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, have been far from his best. If he doesn’t tighten his game soon, he could find himself out of favour with the selectors.

2. Steve Smith

Steve Smith (Twitter)Steve Smith (Twitter)

Steve Smith, once the backbone of Australia’s batting, has seen his form slip since 2023. Last year, he averaged 37.86 across formats, and 2024 has been no kinder.

In 15 innings this year, Smith has scored just 318 runs at an average of 31.80, with only two fifties to his name. His beloved Test format, where he has traditionally excelled, has also seen a sharp decline.

Smith has managed only 213 runs in 10 Test innings in 2024 at an average of 30.42, almost half of his career average. With his reputation on the line, Smith will need to find his form quickly to avoid further scrutiny.

1. Babar Azam

Babar Azam (Twitter)Babar Azam (Twitter)

Once the epitome of consistency, Babar Azam's form has been on a downward spiral since 2023. From 2016 to 2022, he was one of the most reliable players across formats, but last year, his numbers began to decline, with 1399 runs in 37 innings at an average of 39.97.

The slump has continued into 2024, with Babar scoring just 709 runs in 21 innings at an average of 35.45, including six fifties but no centuries.

His struggles have been most evident in Test cricket, where he has failed to score a fifty in the last two years. Babar will need to dig deep and find his lost touch to reclaim his spot among the world’s elite batsmen.