Babar Azam For West Indies T20Is? Here's Why Pakistan Should Have Included Him

Babar Azam [Source: @amazinglife/X.com]

Babar Azam has been excluded from Pakistan’s T20I setup with the premier batter having last played a T20 game against South Africa in 2024. Interestingly, the batting superstar holds an impressive record against the West Indies in the T20 format which could probably answer the selectors for his snub.

With Babar now set to face the Caribbean pace and spin attack in the USA during the ODI leg of the tour, here’s a detailed analysis of his T20I numbers against the West Indies and why his past performances should have warranted a spot in the T20I squad as well.

Babar Azam's T20I Numbers Against West Indies

Looking at the stats, across 17 T20I innings between 2016 and 2021, Babar Azam scored 540 runs at an average of 49.09 and a strike-rate of 127.35. He remained not out three times, indicating his habit of shepherding the innings when needed, and registered five half-centuries, with a top score of 97*. 

His ability to find gaps is underscored by 56 fours and nine sixes, while only one duck in 17 innings highlights his resilience against the Caribbean pace attack.

(Babar Azam's T20I stats against West Indies)

As Babar already boasts an interesting stat table against the red giants, let's take a deep dive into his performance based on the different conditions where he shone or had a dip in form.

---

ALSO READ

Better Numbers Than Fakhar: Why Babar Azam Should Be Picked In Pakistan's Asia Cup Team

---

Babar Azam's Dominance In Home And Away Venues

At home in Pakistan, Babar averaged 50.20 and struck at 145.08, compiling 251 runs. This dominance reflects his command over familiar surfaces. The high strike-rate at home suggests he timed his field-placements and exploited shorter boundaries to full effect.

(Babar Azam's T20I stats as per venues)

Contrastingly, in the West Indies, his average dipped to 37.60 with a strike-rate of 109.30, totalling 188 runs. The 25% dip on bouncier tracks and against faster bowling and strong spin exposes Babar's challenges. 

(Babar's T20I stats across regions against West Indies)

How Has Babar Performed In Each Season Against West Indies?

Seasonal trends further illustrate Babar Azam's form cycle. In 2018, he enjoyed his best year, three matches yielded 165 runs at an 82.50 average and a dazzling 148.64 strike-rate. 

However, by 2021/22 his output dipped to 86 runs in three matches (28.66 average, 138.70 SR), signalling a minor slump before the current tour. 

(Babar Azam's seasonal gameplay against West Indies in T20Is)

This plateau of form suggests that while his timing remained sharp, converting starts into big scores became less frequent. The most relevant dip is seen in his 2018 vs 2022 form.

Babar Azam's form dip against West Indies [Source: OneCricket]

Overall, Babar’s aggregate record versus the West Indies underscores his class and adaptability. His home supremacy contrasts with a more circumspect approach abroad, while neutral-venue excellence hints at his natural game. 

The seasonal ebb and flow, peaking in 2018 and slowing in the latest season, indicate areas for refinement. Yet, his overall form should have vouched for the 'King' he is against the Caribbean attack in any condition.

---

ALSO READ

From 50-Ball Fifty To 59-Ball 122 - Babar Azam's Greatest T20I Knock Shuts Talk At Centurion

---