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Former Indian opening batsman and cricket analyst, Virender Sehwag, expressed strong criticism of Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s performance as an opener during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Sehwag was particularly critical of Azam’s batting style and its effect on the Pakistan T20I team, emphasizing that Azam, known as one of the top modern-day batsmen, fell short after Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament.
Sehwag commented on Azam’s inability to excel as a power hitter, especially against fast bowling. He highlighted that the right-handed batsman struggles to clear the boundaries when standing close to the crease or executing big shots over the covers.
Virender Sehwag says Babar Azam’s safe play hurting Pakistan
The former Indian opening batsman pointed out that Babar Azam’s approach emphasizes playing safe, relying on grounded shots that ensure consistent performance. However, this strategy results in a lower strike rate, which Sehwag believes is not ideal for the fast-paced demands of modern T20 cricket.
Virender Sehwag said: “I think Babar Azam’s style of play isn’t suited to T20 cricket. He is not a six-hitting player. He only hits six when he is set, especially against the spin. I haven’t seen him using his feet to hit sixes against the fast bowling, or his sixes on the covers, or play big shots while standing. Playing big shots like a modern-era player is not his game. He plays the game on the ground. He plays safe cricket. That’s why he performs consistently, but his strike rate is not as good.
Sehwag stressed the importance of Babar Azam, as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, evaluating whether his current playing style aligns with the team’s needs. He proposed that if Babar is unwilling to adopt a more aggressive approach, he should consider batting lower down the order. Sehwag suggested promoting a batsman who can effectively score 50 to 60 runs in the initial 6 overs, thereby enabling the team to set a formidable total in T20I matches.
Virender Sehwag said Babar Azam will have to think about his game
He said, “But if you are a leader, you have to think, Is this game right for my team? If he is not a six-hitting player, he should either bring himself down and send a batter up who can play big shots and aggressive cricket. Pakistan needs an opener who can hit sixes and score 50–60 runs on the board in the first powerplay. So, Babar is not that player. I think Babar will have to think about his game.
Sehwag went on to caution that unless Babar Azam adjusts his conservative approach and Pakistan updates its strategy, they will find it challenging to remain competitive in T20I cricket. He voiced a stark opinion, suggesting that under different leadership, Babar might lose his spot in Pakistan’s T20I squad.
The commentator asserted that Babar currently does not fit the profile of a T20I player and should not be considered for selection unless he modifies his game to align with the demands of modern-era power hitters.
He signed off by saying, “If I use a harsh word if the captain changes, then Babar will not have a place in the T20I; he won’t be able to fight or deserve a place in their T20I team. This is a harsh word. Because of his strike rate, his performance is not as good in the modern T20 cricket.”
