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Babar Azam's T20I comeback likely; out-of-form players whom he can replace in PAK squad

Debashis Sarangi

Saim Ayub and Babar Azam [Source: AFP]Saim Ayub and Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, Babar Azam might be recalled into T20Is amid Pakistan's underwhelming batting performance in the Asia Cup. Babar, who was left out of Pakistan's Asia Cup squad due to strike rate woes, is expected to make his return for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. 

Considering Babar Azam's past exploits in the format, his return would certainly strengthen Pakistan's batting order, which has averaged just 20.39 while scoring at an abysmal rate of 123.84 until the final of the competition. In such a scenario, it makes sense from Pakistan's perspective to bring a player of Babar's calibre back into the T20Is, especially with the World T20 coming up. 

Now the question arises, which player from Pakistan's Asia Cup squad will make room for Babar? Upon analysing, we reckon the following names could be in the firing line if the Men in Green decide to revamp their batting order by bringing Babar back for the South Africa series. 

Saim Ayub

Why Saim Ayub could be dropped to bring Babar back

Criterion
In Asia Cup
In T20Is
Innings645
Runs23839
Average3.8319.5
Strike Rate85.19134.2
  • Regarded as one of the most flamboyant batters in Pakistan, Saim Ayub has had a miserable run in the Asia Cup 2025. The southpaw has struck only 23 runs at a horrible average of 3.83 while recording four ducks in six innings as a top-order batter. 
  • Although Ayub has bowled well, it's worth noting that he is not contributing to the scoreboard with his primary skill. While his bowling attributes could still make his case strong for a place in Pakistan's squad for the South Africa series, Saim's overall batting performance in the format might lead to his exclusion if Babar Azam comes back, considering both are top-order batters, and both Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman have done reasonably well as openers. 

Salman Ali Agha

Why Salman Ali Agha could be dropped to bring Babar back

Criterion
In Asia Cup
In T20Is
Innings629
Runs64553
Average12.8024
Strike Rate78.05110

(Salman Ali Agha's poor returns in T20I cricket)

  • Salman Ali Agha has been decent as Pakistan's T20I captain, but his middling numbers as a batter raise serious questions over his place in the side. 
  • While Salman averages just 24 after 29 T20Is, his strike rate of 110 contradicts Pakistan's revamped batting approach that considers aggression as the first and foremost thing to succeed in the shortest format. 
  • A skipper, who isn't converting his words into actions, can't be expected to be a role model for a side undergoing transition. Although Pakistan have beaten Oman, UAE, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, their success is attributed to Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz and Fakhar Zaman, who have saved them from precarious situations throughout the Asia Cup. 
  • Therefore, Salman Ali Agha's poor batting form definitely puts his place at risk, and it won't be surprising if he makes room for Babar Azam in Pakistan's T20I side ahead of the World Cup next year. 

Khushdil Shah

Why Khushdil Shah could be dropped to bring Babar back

Criterion
Data
Matches
38
Runs434
Average17.4
Strike Rate104.1
Wickets6
Economy7.11

(Khushdil Shah's ordinary T20I records)

  • Khushdil Shah made it into Pakistan's Asia Cup squad as a bowling all-rounder. However, the veteran cricketer managed just four runs in the solitary game he played in the tournament against the UAE. 
  • More importantly, Khushdil Shah doesn't have a clear role in Pakistan's T20I setup. He has been successful with neither bat nor ball, recording 434 runs and six wickets across 38 matches. 
  • So, the left-hander might find himself at the receiving end and face the axe if the Pakistani team management decides to bring Babar Azam back into the T20I setup for the upcoming series against South Africa. 

P.S: The eyes will also be on Hasan Nawaz, who has scored only 110 runs in his last eight T20I innings at a mediocre average of 13.75. However, his flexibility and ability to play an aggressive brand of cricket (as evidenced by a T20I strike rate of 158.09) could prompt Pakistan to give him a few more games before taking a final call.