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Babar Azam's T20I future on the line: Why South Africa series is a make-or-break for him

Anurag Dasgupta

Make or break T20Is for Babar [Source: AFP Photo] Make or break T20Is for Babar [Source: AFP Photo]

After missing out on a place in the Pakistan Asia Cup squad, Babar Azam was picked for the T20I team that will take on South Africa at home. The batter was criticised by head coach Mike Hesson for his poor strike rate in the format, and yet, he was drafted in the T20Is, and it came as a surprise for many.

However, despite his selection in the T20I squad, Babar will be under pressure to deliver the goods. He has been under the watchful eyes of the PCB selectors, and another series failure could cost him a place in the side. Here are 3 major reasons why the upcoming series could be a make-or-break for Babar.

1) Strike rate issue hampering Pakistan

While Babar has piled on truckloads of runs in T20Is and has multiple centuries in the format, but time and again, his strike rate has come under the microscope. Often, his slow nature of play in T20Is has cost Pakistan matches, and this has been the concern of team management.

Criterion
Data
Matches128
Runs4223
Strike rate129.22

(Babar Azam T20I numbers)

  • He has racked up 4223 runs, but the strike rate of just 129 is questionable. Interestingly, the team management was against Babar’s T20I selection due to the same reason; however, the PCB selectors wanted him in the team.
  • The upcoming series will showcase whether Babar has actually learned from his past mistakes or not. If he fails to score runs at a rapid pace, his place in the side will once again be in danger.

2) Replacements ready if he fails

  • Pakistan cricket has a ruthless approach, and if Babar Azam fails to deliver, then the management has kept his replacements ready. There is already Sahibzada Farhan in the side, and the management has also backed Saim Ayub, despite his Asia Cup failures.
  • The Asia Cup 2025 allowed Pakistan to groom some players in place of Babar, and if the star batter struggles against South Africa, the team won’t give it a thought before replacing Babar with youngsters in the team.

3) Can he silence critics with match-winning performance

  • Over the years, there has been a theory that Babar Azam's run only helps his cause, but it adds no value to the team. Time and again, Babar has scored a lot for Pakistan, but these runs have not turned into match-winning runs.
  • Pakistan’s T20I team is struggling at the moment, and if the former skipper could win the series for his side against a strong South African team, then his place could be saved, and the management will realise his value in the game’s shortest format.

Final verdict

The upcoming T20Is are a make-or-break for Babar. If he performs and wins matches for Pakistan, his place will be secured, but if the star batters fail, the management might have to think about taking harsh call regarding his future.