What’s happened to Babar Azam’s Test batting?

Babar Azam has been a stark drop in his numbers, but he has a chance to reverse that in the nine Tests in the upcoming season.

Pakistan’s cricket season is witnessing a historic moment, with nine Tests scheduled in a single season for the first time since 1998-99. This season is crucial for Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter and former captain, who has seen a decline in his batting form, especially in Tests. His average has dropped from 60 to 37.41 since 2022, with a notable struggle against right-arm pace and left-arm spin.

Babar’s leadership has also been impacted, with the emergence of new power centers, including Shaheen Afridi. The team’s dressing room, once unified and joyful under Babar’s captaincy, now seems less vibrant. The dynamics of the team have changed, and Babar’s role has been redefined.

The decline in Babar’s form is puzzling, with no clear explanation. His focus and rhythm have been affected by the irregular Test schedule and lack of domestic first-class matches. The Pakistani team’s erratic schedule, with long gaps between matches, has disrupted the rhythm of long-form batting. This has made it challenging for Babar to maintain his consistency and momentum.

Off-field issues, including frequent changes in board members and coaching staff, have also contributed to Babar’s struggles. His silence on his dismissal as captain after the 2023 World Cup and his limited public presence have added to the uncertainty. The lack of clarity on his role and responsibilities has created confusion, affecting his performance on the field.

As Pakistan faces Bangladesh in their first Test since January, Babar’s form and leadership will be under scrutiny. Can he regain his rhythm and lead Pakistan to success in this historic season? The answer lies in his ability to adapt to the changing circumstances and find his footing in the new team dynamics.

The season has been historic for Pakistan, with a record number of Tests scheduled in a single season. However, the irregular schedule has posed challenges for the team, particularly for Babar. The long gaps between matches have made it difficult for him to maintain his form and consistency.

Babar’s struggles against right-arm pace and left-arm spin have been notable. He has been dismissed multiple times by these types of deliveries, indicating a vulnerability in his technique. His inability to convert starts into big scores has also been a concern.

The emergence of new power centers in the team has changed the dynamics of the dressing room. Shaheen Afridi, in particular, has become a key player, and his presence has altered the team’s hierarchy. Babar’s leadership has been impacted, and he is no longer the undisputed captain of the team.

Despite these challenges, Babar remains a crucial player for Pakistan. His experience and skill are essential to the team’s success. However, he needs to adapt to the changing circumstances and find his footing in the new team dynamics.

The season has also seen significant changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with frequent changes in board members and coaching staff. This has created uncertainty and instability, affecting the team’s performance.

Babar Azam silence on his dismissal as captain after the 2023 World Cup has added to the uncertainty. His limited public presence has also raised questions about his role and responsibilities. The lack of clarity on his position has affected his performance on the field.

As Pakistan looks to the future, Babar’s form and leadership will be crucial. Can he regain his rhythm and lead Pakistan to success in this historic season? The answer lies in his ability to adapt to the changing circumstances and find his footing in the new team dynamics.

The season has been a rollercoaster ride for Pakistan, with historic moments and challenges. Babar’s decline in form has been a concern, but he remains a crucial player for the team. With the emergence of new power centers and changes in the PCB, the team’s dynamics have changed. Babar needs to adapt to these changes and find his footing to lead Pakistan to success.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s cricket season has been historic, with a record number of Tests scheduled in a single season. However, the irregular schedule has posed challenges for the team, particularly for Babar. His decline in form and leadership has been a concern, but he remains a crucial player for the team. With the emergence of new power centers and changes in the PCB, the team’s dynamics have changed. Babar needs to adapt to these changes and find his footing to lead Pakistan to success in this historic season.