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Babar Azam And...? Pakistan Likely To Drop These Players After Champions Trophy Exit

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam has been struggling with poor form [Source: AP]Babar Azam has been struggling with poor form [Source: AP]

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Pakistan had a disappointing run in the ICC Champions Trophy, as they got knocked out of the competition after disastrous defeats against India and New Zealand. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the Men in Green incurred heavy defeats in their first two games, eventually getting eliminated from the tournament. 

As per emerging reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to review the team's abysmal performance in the tournament. In such a scenario, three prominent players could be dropped from the ODI setup, as mentioned below. 

1. Babar Azam

Criterion
Runs
Average/SR
Across formats since 2024150131.93/82.51
In ICC events since 202265332.65/86.49

(Babar Azam's recent mediocre performance)

  • Stylish batter Babar Azam has been the linchpin of Pakistan's white-ball lineups. However, the batting maestro has found it incredibly tough to emerge as a match-winner for his side in marquee tournaments. Only 653 runs in 22 innings at a poor average of 32.65; these certainly can't be the numbers of the best batter of a team. 
  • The data presented in the above table depicts Babar's prolonged lean patch in ICC tournaments (T20 World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and World Cup). He has looked short of confidence as well, with his abysmal numbers across formats signifying his sorry state at the moment. 
  • Therefore, as Pakistan suffer a group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy, Babar could be one of the seniors to face the axe before the next ICC event. 

2. Naseem Shah

Criterion
Wickets
Average/SR
ODIs since 20241538.60/38.2

(Naseem Shah's recent ODI stats)

  • Pakistan's experienced speedster Naseem Shah seems to have lost the art of taking wickets in white-ball cricket. The fast bowler averages a whopping 38.60 in his last eleven ODIs while taking 6.2 overs to scalp a single wicket. 
  • His economy has also been on the higher side, as he has conceded runs at a rapid rate of 6.06. While Shaheen Afridi's reputation and stature might save him from getting axed, the same can't be said for Naseem, as he was dropped midway through the South Africa series.
  • Thus, as Pakistan suffered humiliation with another group-stage exit, Naseem could be dropped from the side after the mega event. 

3. Tayyab Tahir

Criterion
Runs
Average
In ODIs13426.80
In Champions Trophy52.50

(Tayyab Tahir's records)

  • Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir entered Pakistan's ODI setup following his batting exploits in List-A cricket. However, despite ample opportunities, he failed to live up to the expectations. 
  • The right-handed batter could score only five runs against New Zealand and India combined, which was a significant reason behind Pakistan's worrisome performance in the Champions Trophy. 
  • So, considering his horrendous returns, Pakistan might decide to drop Tayyab Tahir from their ODI setup after the Champions Trophy.