Can Babar Azam make his T20I comeback in South Africa series? Analysis explains

Will Babar be included in T20Is? [Source: AFP Photo]

The stage is set for a riveting battle as once the Test series gets done and dusted between Pakistan and South Africa, the two teams will collide in the white-ball leg, with the T20Is garnering more interest. Several high-profile names are set to be excluded as they performed poorly in the Asia Cup 2025.

One big name who was touted to make a comeback was Babar Azam, the batter who was removed from the Asia Cup squad. The selectors are keen on his return, but the question arises: does he really deserve a place in the T20I squad? Has he changed his T20 gameplay to be included in the team once again? If he makes a comeback, where will he play?

Babar Azam's T20I runs in different positions

(Babar at different batting position)

• As mentioned, Babar has played most of his T20I innings either at the opening slot or at number 3, and the numbers tell the story. Out of his 4223 runs in T20Is, 4139 runs have come in the above-mentioned positions. He is suited for the top order, but there is one catch.

Currently, Pakistan’s top order is relatively sorted, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub forming a pair at the top. Saim hasn’t done well in recent times, but Pakistan has shown its faith in him, thanks to his all-round attributes and ability to contribute with the ball. 

(Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub in T20Is)

• The duo has done decently in recent times, and while the strike rate is still questionable, Pakistan management has openly expressed interest to back these two batters. 
• With Sahibzada and Saim at the top, Fakhar was demoted to number 3, and he, too, did fairly well at the position, and this leaves Babar standing alone, with his favourite positions taken away. Fakhar, too, had a good Asia Cup campaign as he scored 181 runs, with a strike rate of 120.67.
• He has not been useful for Pakistan batting below number 3, and with the top three spots occupied, Pakistan have a difficult choice to make regarding his selection.

Why Babar's selection could be questionable

• Head coach Mike Hesson, clearly stated after Babar’s Asia Cup omission that the batter has a strike rate issue, and he needs to resolve it before being considered for the T20I selection. While the selectors do want him in the team, the team management is against it.
• While his replacements in the side, Mohammad Haris, and Sahibzada Farhan have not done much for the team, but Pakistan has decided to back the young side, and the upcoming South Africa series provides them a great chance to try out the same squad that reached the Asia Cup finals.
• Moreover, there is no guarantee that Babar has worked on his strike rate issue, and hence, the selectors shouldn’t take the risk of including him in the side.

Final verdict

While Babar’s presence will bring in experience in the side, but would also disrupt the playing combination. Pakistan should ideally go in with the same squad that reached the Asia Cup finals. Plus, with the top 3 spots already occupied, there is no place where the team management could slot in Babar.

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