Virender Sehwag remarked that if Pakistan undergoes leadership changes following their disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Babar Azam should not be included in the T20I team. Pakistan's failure to advance to the Super 8, due to losses against co-hosts USA and rivals India, has brought Babar’s captaincy and batting under scrutiny.
Babar Azam To Be Taken Out Of T20I Side
“Babar Azam is not a player who will hit sixes. He only hits sixes when he is set and spinners are operating. I have never seen him using his feet to fast bowlers or hitting sixes over the covers; it’s not his game as he plays safe cricket by hitting on the ground. So, he consistently scores runs and his strike-rate isn’t great,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.
“But as a leader you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50–60 runs. I may sound harsh, but if the captain changes, Babar doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team. His performances are not as per the demands of today’s T20 cricket,” Sehwag added.
Babar accumulated 122 runs in 4 matches, averaging 40.66 but with a strike rate of 101.66. Sehwag criticized Babar's suitability for T20Is, stating that Pakistan requires top-order players who can consistently hit sixes, unlike Babar who plays it safe.
On Sunday, Pakistan exited the T20 World Cup despite a 3-wicket victory over Paul Stirling’s Ireland in Florida. Babar scored an unbeaten 32 off 34 balls, helping his team chase 107 with 7 balls remaining. Babar mentioned that he hasn’t considered stepping down as captain and would decide only after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Also Read: Bangladesh Defeats Nepal To Secure Final Super 8 Spot In T20 World Cup 2024