There’s a certain sadness about Babar Azam’s recent struggles, as his form dips and he steps down from the captaincy. His being dropped from the Test team may not be the worst thing, but it does dent his aura, bringing him down to the ranks of the merely very good. The decision marks a significant moment in Pakistan cricket, and it wasn’t an easy one for the selection committee.
The Decision to Drop Babar Azam
Azhar Ali, who recently joined the selection committee, faced the tough task of informing Babar about his exclusion. It must have been difficult, especially since Azhar’s own Test career ended under Babar’s captaincy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) diplomatically stated that Babar was “rested,” but the reality is that his recent performances have fallen short of expectations.
Babar’s exclusion is one of the most significant decisions in recent Pakistani cricket history. The absence of star bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah in the second Test only adds to the sense of a shift in the team dynamics.
The Underlying Reasons
Although Babar’s recent numbers aren’t impressive, labeling his form as “terminally bad” would be inaccurate. It’s true that he hasn’t scored a half-century in the last nine Tests, spanning nearly two years. But this period includes lengthy gaps in Test matches due to Pakistan’s irregular schedule, making it difficult for players to regain form.
More than his batting statistics, it seems that a break might genuinely benefit Babar. The past couple of years have been challenging for him, with the captaincy burden, administrative upheaval, and public scrutiny taking a toll.
A Chance to Regroup
Babar’s journey to becoming an all-format captain and global superstar has been rapid. Since rising to the captaincy in 2020, the relentless playing schedule and intense pressure have left little room for him to pause and reflect. This break might allow him to reconnect with his batting, regain focus, and rediscover his form.
Babar Azam’s temporary exclusion brings a sense of vulnerability to his otherwise illustrious career. While the decision might seem drastic, it offers him a chance to regroup and refocus. For cricket fans and Babar himself, this could be a crucial moment of growth.
Stay tuned to findcric.com for more updates on Babar Azam’s journey and other cricketing news.