Babar Azam Told to Raise Strike Rate for T20 Comeback

Babar Azam’s strike rate has become a central talking point as Pakistan’s team management looks toward the upcoming Asia Cup and future Twenty20 Internationals. Head coach Mike Hesson confirmed that Babar has been urged to improve his batting against spin and increase his scoring tempo if he wishes to regain a place in the T20 squad.

Babar’s Current Standing

Babar remains Pakistan’s batting mainstay in Test and ODI cricket. His consistency and technique continue to make him one of the most reliable top-order players. However, in the shortest format, his role has come under increasing scrutiny. The 30-year-old has not featured in a T20 International since Pakistan’s tour of South Africa late last year.

This absence was further highlighted when selectors overlooked him for the upcoming Asia Cup. Instead, they placed their trust in emerging talents, particularly Sahibzada Farhan, who has been in strong form.

Hesson’s Assessment

Coach Mike Hesson did not shy away from pointing out the areas where Babar needs to improve. “There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate,” Hesson stated.

Babar currently holds a career strike rate of 129 in T20 Internationals. While respectable, the number falls short compared to modern demands of explosive batting in the format. Teams today look for top-order players who can dominate from the start, especially during the powerplay overs.

Read: Pakistan Drops Babar and Rizwan from Asia Cup Squad

Competition Within the Squad

Hesson emphasized that Pakistan’s current group of players have performed well in recent series. Sahibzada Farhan, for example, has quickly established himself as a reliable option. “Sahibzada Farhan has played six games and won three player-of-the-match awards,” Hesson noted.

This competition makes it harder for Babar to slot back in without showing clear progress in areas where selectors see room for growth. It also highlights Pakistan’s shift toward rewarding aggressive batting styles, even if it means sidelining experienced names.

Pathway Through Big Bash League

Hesson suggested that Babar could use the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia as a platform to refine his T20 game. The fast-paced nature of the league, combined with exposure to quality spin and pace, offers him the chance to adapt to evolving T20 demands.

“A player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he’s improving in those areas in T20s. He’s too good a player not to consider,” Hesson added.

For Babar, this could become a vital opportunity to prove that he can balance his traditional strengths with the modern-day requirements of power-hitting and strike rotation.

Looking at the Asia Cup

Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup Group A campaign against Oman in Dubai on September 12. Just two days later, they will face arch-rivals India at the same venue. The high-stakes clash with India always captures global attention, and Pakistan’s batting lineup will be under intense scrutiny.

Without Babar in the squad, the responsibility falls on younger players and consistent performers to deliver in pressure situations. This creates both an opportunity and a challenge for Pakistan’s batting order, which has often relied heavily on Babar in the past.

The Bigger Picture

Babar’s case highlights the broader evolution of T20 cricket. Strike rates and adaptability against spin are no longer secondary attributes but primary requirements for top-order batsmen. Even established players must adjust quickly or risk being left out.

For Pakistan, the strategy appears clear: prioritize aggressive batting options, particularly in the top three, to keep pace with global trends. While Babar remains one of the finest technical batters in the world, his reintegration into the T20 setup will depend on his ability to meet these modern demands.

Future Prospects

The door for Babar’s comeback is far from closed. Hesson acknowledged his class and insisted that improvement in targeted areas could restore him to the squad. With tournaments like the BBL offering the perfect proving ground, Babar’s response in the coming months will likely shape his T20 future.

For now, Pakistan moves forward with a squad built around form players and aggressive intent. But the possibility of Babar Azam returning as a more versatile and attacking T20 batter remains strong, provided he can translate his hard work into results on the field.