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'Babar Azam Should Open...': Pakistan Head Coach Backs Ace Batter Despite Recent Woes

Rajgeeta

Babar Azam's poor form continues [Source: AP]Babar Azam's poor form continues [Source: AP]

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Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has been struggling with form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, but the team’s management is standing firmly behind him. Despite a disappointing performance in the recent Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa, head coach Aqib Javed has backed Babar to open for Pakistan in the upcoming tournament.

Babar’s form has been a major talking point as Pakistan prepares for the Champions Trophy. In the Tri-Series, held on home soil, he managed only 62 runs in three matches. His highest score was 29 runs in the final against New Zealand, where Pakistan lost the title clash. This poor run has raised concerns among fans and experts about his ability to perform at the top of the order.

Despite his struggles, head coach Aqib Javed remains confident in Babar’s abilities. He believes that opening the innings will help Babar make full use of the powerplay, where fielding restrictions allow batters to score freely.

“Our rationale behind the change was that if you look at the away series against South Africa, Babar Azam had to bat in the first over in all games. Then Saim got injured, and he had to open in Tests too. These pitches are not troubling the batters at the start, we wanted our best batter to make good use of the powerplay, that suits us more,” Javed said in a press conference.

“So, I think, in these conditions, Babar should open and I am hopeful that he will play a big innings in important matches,” he added.

Babar Azam Gearing Up For Champions Trophy

With Pakistan co-hosting the tournament and set to play their opening match against New Zealand on February 19, Babar’s form will be under the spotlight. As a former captain and one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters, his performance will be crucial in determining how far the team goes in the tournament.