Babar Azam In The List: Pakistan Mainstays Who Must Perform In WI ODIs To Avoid Exclusion

Pakistan players who could be dropped [Source: @Abduluet240/x.com]

The stage is set for a riveting ODI series as hosts, the West Indies, will take on Pakistan in a 3-game series, starting on August 8. The visitors captured the T20I series and will be riding high on confidence, especially with the return of some of their experienced players in Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam.

Pakistan's ODI team has been going downhill, and the breaking point came when they crashed out of the Champions Trophy in group stage. However, this series provides them a chance to cement their authority, and will also be an important 3-matches for some of Pakistan's underperformers.

In this article, we will talk about 3 such Pakistan players, for whom the West Indies ODIs will be crucial, keeping in mind the World Cup in 2027.

1) Babar Azam

Arguably the greatest ODI batter of Pakistan, Babar Azam has been under some scrutiny due to his poor performances in recent times. For a batter of his calibre, Babar has failed to deliver the goods in the last couple of years, with his last ODI ton coming against Nepal in August 2023.

In the Champions Trophy 2025, his strike rate was questioned, and experts demanded him to be removed from the side. This ODI series could be a make-or-break series for Babar.

(Babar Azam in CT 2025)

Pakistan had a shocking exit from the group stage, and Babar was blamed for it, partly due to his slow nature of batting. The selectors are looking for an aggressive batter, and if Babar fails, he could land in trouble.

2) Shaheen Afridi

Once touted as the future of Pakistan cricket, Shaheen Afridi's downfall needs to be studied. Post his injury in 2022, his speed has dipped, and so has his performance. In the last two ODI series (Champions Trophy, and the tri-series), his bowling standards has been questionable.

(Shaheen Afridi stats in CT, tri series)

In the last five matches, Shaheen has scalped 8 wickets, but his bowling economy (7.2), and average is questionable. Just like Babar, Pakistan could look for a Shaheen Afridi alternative, if he fails to deliver in the upcoming ODI series.

3) Naseem Shah

When Naseem Shah was picked in the Pakistan squad for the first time, expectations were high. However, the right-arm pacer is yet to fulfil his potential, as he has struggled with injuries and form. He has been a pale shadow of his former self in recent times, and recent numbers tell the story.

(Naseem Shah stats in CT, NZ tour)

An average of 42.8, and just five wickets in equal number of games showcases Naseem's poor form in ODIs. Just like Shaheen, his speed has been lost, and the bowler lacks cutting-edge to take wickets. The upcoming 3-match series will be crucial for his ODI future.

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