From 56.72 average to 35.56: Statistical data shows Babar Azam's epic ODI downfall

Babar Azam's downfall studied [Source: AFP Photo]

Yet another ODI match and another failure for Babar Azam, who is searching for form in the 50-overs format. He last scored an ODI ton in August 2023, and since then, things have gone downhill in ODI cricket for the former Pakistan captain. There was a time when he was compared with greats, but since the start of 2024, the numbers have gone down massively, and so have his credentials.

In this article, we will study Babar’s ODI downfall and compare his batting average before 2024 and the numbers after his downfall.

Babar Azam ODI stats till December 2023

Before his downfall in 2024, Babar had outstanding numbers in ODIs and was often compared with India legend, Virat Kohli as the duo had similar traits in this format. He churned out 19 centuries, and the numbers tell the story.

(Babar in ODIs till December 23)

• Before his downfall, Babar had one of the best peaks by any player in ODIs. He had smacked 19 tons and had an average of nearly 57 as the right-handed batter was at the peak of his powers and was one of the best in the business.
• Babar had the backing of selectors and the management and this reflected on his game as he played with confidence and the numbers tell the story - 5729 runs in just 117 ODI matches.

Babar Azam in ODIs since January 2024

Since 2024, things have been different for Babar in ODIs and he has witnessed a step downfall with no centuries and no match-winning innings in the format. He has looked vulnerable and it has led to the great mystery - what has happened to Babar.

(Babar in ODIs since Jan 24)

• For the last 1.5 years, Babar has failed to deliver the goods and the stats tell the entire story of his journey. In 18 matches, Babar has only racked up 569 runs, with an average of 35.56, and has only scored five fifties under his belt.
• There has been a difference of 21.16 when it comes to Babar's average during his prime and now during his downfall, which showcases that he has struggled for runs.
• Moreover, he is elusive of his 20th ODI century, with the last one coming during the Asia Cup 2023 against Nepal.

What has led to Babar's downfall in ODIs

• The batter certainly has technical issues, and he hasn’t worked on them. Babar often gets trapped lbw as the bowlers have found out his weakness with the incoming deliveries. He tends to get stuck inside the crease and gets lbw by the opponent.
• It has been 1.5 years but the weakness has not been corrected and hence, he fails to play the bigger innings in ODIs.
• Moreover, he tends to put his chin down when the opponent tries to dominate him. A player not only has to be correct in terms of his cricketing technique, but also has to be equally strong mentally, and Babar has that small weakness in him. The batter doesn’t believe in his ability and this has led to his downfall.

All the greats of the game have had a bad patch, but they rise up due to their self-belief.

Final verdict

Babar is still relatively young, but the clock is ticking away quickly as the batter needs to reinvent himself and get his ODI mojo back. The 50-overs is Babar’s best format, and he needs to become the Babar of 2015-23, where he was smashing runs for fun, and if it doesn’t happen, he could be dropped from the side.

---

ALSO READ

Babar Azam fails, Wasim Jr in? Probable Changes PAK could make for 2nd ODI vs South Africa

---