Dropped. Criticised. Now reborn? Will the no. 3 gamble resurrect Babar Azam's T20I career?

Babar Azam to play at no. 3 in T20I series vs SA [Source: @HassanAbbasian/X.com]

It’s not often that a player of Babar Azam’s class finds himself fighting for a spot in Pakistan’s T20I lineup. But cricket, as always, has its twists. 

After being dropped from the T20I side earlier this year, Babar is back in the green jersey, this time not as the opener Pakistan fans have long known him as, but as the no. 3 batter.

And this change could be the turning point of his T20I career.

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Stakes are higher than ever for Babar Azam 

For years, Babar Azam has been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting, especially in the T20I format. He is currently the second leading run-scorer (4223 runs) in the history of the 20-20 format. 

But in recent times, criticism has followed him. His strike rate, his intent in powerplays, and the perception that his style slows down Pakistan’s scoring have weighed down his aura. 

Those whispers grew louder after the 2024 T20 World Cup exit, and soon, the unthinkable occurred, Babar was dropped.

When Pakistan announced its return to the squad for the 2025 South Africa series, fans were both excited and curious. 

But what everyone was most surprised about was not his return, but the change of role. The management has decided to push him down to no. 3, handing the opening duties to younger, more aggressive batters like Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub.

At first glance, this might seem like a demotion. After all, Babar had made a name for himself as one of the most reliable openers in international cricket. But dig deeper, and this move might just be what he needs to reignite his T20I journey.

How has Babar Azam performed as the no. 3 batter in T20Is?

(Babar Azam's T20I stats as opener and as no. 5 batter)

As an opener, Babar Azam often carried the burden of setting the tone. Every dot ball and every cautious start was magnified. But at no. 3, he gets something precious, which is freedom. 

If the openers get off to a flying start, he can walk in and play with freedom. If an early wicket falls, his solid technique can steady the innings. 

The no. 3 position, in many ways, allows Babar to be both the artist and the architect, a role tailor-made for someone of his class. It will also help in releasing the pressure that might consume him, considering his recent rough patch.

It also brings to mind how other greats have reinvented themselves by shifting positions. Virat Kohli, for instance, has thrived at no. 3 for India, controlling chases and pacing innings perfectly. 

Perhaps Pakistan is hoping for something similar from Babar Azam, a player who can blend stability with smart aggression.

Of course, the transition won’t be easy. He’ll need to adapt to different match situations and recalibrate his mindset. But for a player who has scored runs all around the world and captained Pakistan through highs and lows, that challenge could be the spark he needs.

Final thought

What makes this comeback even more fascinating is the emotional angle. Babar’s return isn’t just about runs or averages; it’s about redemption. It’s about a champion proving he still belongs at the highest level, even if it means reinventing himself in a new role.

So, is pushing Babar Azam down to no. 3 the right call? Time will tell. But one thing’s certain, if Babar finds his rhythm again, Pakistan’s batting will look stronger than ever. 

At times, a tiny adjustment in position can result in an enormous change of fate. And for Babar Azam, this might just be the start of a powerful new chapter in his T20I story.

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