ISLAMABAD: Despite his immense talent and consistency, Babar Azam’s cautious approach, especially against spin, has often put extra pressure on Pakistan’s middle order. As doubts grow over his strike rate, the question remains: can he shed his hesitancy and embrace a more aggressive style?
Ahead of the tri-nation ODI series, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan confidently stated, “King karlega [The King will do it],” referring to Babar with the reverence his teammates have for him.
Although Babar himself has requested not to be addressed as “King,” his captain’s high praise reflects the belief in his abilities.
However, Babar’s performances have not always matched the expectations of his royal moniker. His 64 off 90 balls in a chase of 321 against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, part of a series of slow-scoring innings, raised doubts.
Lack of aggression
While Babar was forced to bat in an unfamiliar position and partner with an injured Fakhar Zaman, his lack of aggression stood out.
Still, his innings would have looked even less impressive without the attacking contributions of Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah.
After the game, Cheteshwar Pujara analyzed Babar’s approach, suggesting he could have been more proactive against spin by using techniques like the paddle or reverse sweep to open up the field.
New Zealand’s spinners, recognizing his struggles, tied him down, and Babar’s 54 balls against them produced just 35 runs with only two fours. His dot-ball percentage was nearly 52, building pressure on both him and the following batters.
Babar Azam’s struggle against spin
This struggle against spin is not new for Babar. Once averaging over 82 against spin, his average has dropped to just over 48 since 2022, with his strike rate dipping as well. In 2023, his strike rate against spin was 77.7, but it plummeted to just 60.3 in 2025.
Babar has now been dismissed by spin 20 times in his last 39 innings, up from 18 in his first 57. While his average against pace has improved, his vulnerabilities against spin have become more pronounced.
His overall strike rate has taken a hit, and while he has averaged 53.79 since 2022, his strike rate has dipped to 84.93—well below his career average of 87.91.
Issue of the strike rate
Despite crossing 50 in 23 of his last 43 innings, Babar’s strike rate has been the issue. Only three of those innings came at a strike rate above a run-a-ball, and eight were below 80.
Since 2022, no other batter from a full-member team with over 1,500 runs has a strike rate lower than Babar’s.
Pakistan’s middle-order has often had to compensate for his slow scoring, sacrificing consistency for quick cameos.
Babar’s brilliance is clear, but the modern game demands more than just steady accumulation.
Rizwan’s faith in Babar is clear, but now, more than ever, Babar needs to step up and deliver like a true leader, not just for his team but for his own legacy.
