Key points
- Role in middle overs under scrutiny
- Suggestion to move Babar back to No.3
- Shastri urges intent and quicker adaptation
ISLAMABAD: ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting and former India head coach Ravi Shastri have offered their assessments of Babar Azam’s recent form, as scrutiny continues over the Pakistan batter’s role during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Babar had a challenging start to the tournament, managing 15 runs from 18 deliveries in Pakistan’s three-wicket victory over the Netherlands. While this came shortly after an unbeaten half-century against Australia in the final pre-World Cup T20I, Ponting feels the right-hander is no longer batting with his usual fluency.
Speaking on The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan, Ponting highlighted how slow starts can affect the team. “If you’re 15 off 18 balls, you’re not just putting pressure on yourself, you’re putting pressure on the guy at the other end,” he said. He added that Babar needs early boundaries to maintain momentum, warning that otherwise “the momentum of the game shifts every time he comes in.”
Power-hitting
Ponting also questioned whether Babar’s current role suits Pakistan, suggesting diminished power-hitting has limited their effectiveness in the middle overs. Shastri agreed, pointing to the pressure that comes with seniority. “When you’re at that stage of your career, there’s baggage,” he said, stressing the importance of intent even if it risks early dismissal.
Babar’s move to No.4 against the Netherlands may have added to that pressure, according to Ponting, who remarked, “To me, it looks like he’s lost a bit of his power and ball-striking ability.” He recommended a return to No.3, saying, “I would seriously think about batting him at No.3,” to better exploit the Powerplay.
Shastri concluded by underlining the need for quick adaptation, noting that the middle overs are decisive in T20 cricket. Pakistan next face the USA in Colombo on February 10.
