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Babar Azam's T20I place for South Africa series uncertain as report makes shocking claim

Anurag Dasgupta

Babar's place unlikely in T20Is for SA [Source: AFP Photo] Babar's place unlikely in T20Is for SA [Source: AFP Photo]

A few weeks ago, it was reported that the Pakistan selectors are considering bringing back Babar Azam to the T20I team for the upcoming series against South Africa. The star batter missed out on an Asia Cup berth due to a low strike rate issue, but after Pakistan’s poor batting performances, the management wanted to get their star player back.

However, a fresh report has emerged, and there is no good news for Babar in it. The team management is against his inclusion in the T20I squad, but the selectors are keen on having him in the team. The Men in Green had a horrendous batting performance in the Asia Cup, and considering that, the selectors want Babar to strengthen the batting.

But according to reports by Pakistani journalist, Saleem Khaliq, the team management are unsure as they feel Pakistan needs young players in the squad.

Why team management is against Babar's inclusion

The captain-coach duo of Salman Ali Agha and Mike Hesson want a younger crop of players in the side, and despite recent failure in the Asia Cup, Pakistan wants to have the same squad for the T20 World Cup next year. 

Pakistan’s opening combination is settled, the middle order is stacked, and there is no room for Babar to play in the top six, as per reports.

Mike Hesson's strike rate issue with Babar

When the Asia Cup squad was announced, there was no Babar Azam in the squad, and head coach Mike Hesson revealed the reason why the star player missed out on a berth.

“The strike rates required in the power play, especially in good conditions, are different now than they used to be. Players ask for honesty—they want to know what they need to work on. If you provide that feedback, there’s always a way back for them,” Hesson stated.

As a result, while the selectors are keen on having him in the team, Hesson and the captain are probably uninterested.