Babar Azam's ODI Exclusion Likely; Players Whom Pakistan Can Pick As Replacement

Babar Azam could be dropped from ODIs due to rough patch [Source: AFP]

Pakistan recently suffered a crushing ODI series defeat in the Caribbean, as West Indies comprehensively outclassed them by 2-1 in the three-match leg on home turf. Led by Mohammed Rizwan, the visiting side even got bowled out for 92 in the series decider, with Jayden Seales running through their lineup with a sensational spell. 

Why Could Pakistan Drop Babar Azam From ODIs?

Veteran batter Babar Azam registered a string of failures in the West Indies series. His ordinary outings were a primary reason behind Pakistan's abysmal performance on the tour. The right-handed batter amassed 56 runs across two outings, finding the Windies' disciplined attack too hot to handle. 

More importantly, Babar Azam has had a torrid time in ODIs of late. Once hailed for his consistency, the Lahore-born cricketer has managed only 334 runs in eleven ODI innings this year, averaging just over thirty in the format. He has been dismissed for less than 25 in six out of eleven times, with his inconsistency proving costly for Pakistan in ODI cricket. 

Therefore, given that Babar's returns haven't been up to the mark, Pakistan could consider replacing him with another top-order batter in a bid to form a settled core ahead of the 2027 World Cup. In such a scenario, here are three batters who can enter Pakistan's ODI squad as Babar's replacement. 

Players Who Can Replace Babar Azam In Pakistan's ODI Setup

Sahibzada Farhan

Why could Pakistan consider Farhan as Babar's replacement?

• A similar game to Babar: Just like Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan tends to take a bit of time to get set before shifting gears. He is an excellent player of pace and spin and has the perfect game for ODI cricket, a format in which the batters gradually up the ante. 
• Consistency and recent form: Sahibzada Farhan has been one of Pakistan's most consistent batters in the domestic circuit. Overall, the right-handed batter has struck 2926 runs, including eight hundreds and twenty fifties, at an average of 41.80 and a strike rate of 85.85 in 72 innings. He has exhibited red-hot form of late, enjoying stellar success in the PSL (449 runs, avg- 37.42, SR - 152.20) and the subsequent T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies (229 runs, avg - 38.17, SR - 144.93). 

Kamran Ghulam

Why could Pakistan consider Ghulam as Babar's replacement?

(Kamran Ghulam's List-A Stats)

• More dynamic Batter: Kamran Ghulam has a wide range of shots in his armour. Once he gets set, the right-hander prefers to keep the scoreboard ticking with his scintillating stroke play. The fact that he has struck at an impressive rate of 99.05 in his brief career before an ODI snub signifies his aggressive style of play. 
• Adaptability and versatility: The 29-year-old cricketer was made to bat out of position to accommodate Babar Azam at the top order. Despite being shuffled throughout, Ghulam showed promising signs as a flexible batter. His ability to counter the pace and spin bowling with authority could make him an integral member of Pakistan's ODI team if they give him a long rope to prove his mettle. 

Usman Khan

Why could Pakistan consider Ghulam as Babar's replacement?

(Usman Khan's List-A Stats)

• A destructive option at the top: With Abdullah Shafique doing the anchor's job, Pakistan could consider bringing in Usman Khan if they need a fearless stroke maker at number three. The pitches in ODIs generally don't offer significant lateral movement these days, so it makes sense to allot the number three slot to Usman, who can take advantage of the field restrictions. He can play blinders and set the platform for the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman to take their time in the middle. 
• Proven performer in PSL and List-A: As shown in the above table, Usman Khan has excellent numbers in List-A cricket. He has also played a pivotal role for Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators, amassing 960 runs at an average of 43.63 and a blistering strike rate of 156.60 in the PSL. Thus, he brings impact to the table, and his inclusion could certainly solve Pakistan's acceleration issues in ODI cricket. 

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