Dropped: The Rise and Fall of Pakistan’s Batting Maestro Babar Azam — Strike Rate Becomes His Undoing
Islamabad (Cricket Desk) — Pakistan’s batting icon Babar Azam has been dropped from the national Test squad, with sources confirming that his declining strike rate and lack of aggression were major factors behind the decision.
This marks a dramatic low point in the career of a player once regarded as one of the most elegant and consistent batsmen in world cricket.
From Record Breaker to Under Fire :
Babar Azam’s rise was meteoric — debuting in 2015, he quickly became Pakistan’s most reliable run-getter. His technical perfection and calm temperament made him the No.1 ranked ODI batter, while he consistently dominated T20 cricket.
However, in recent months, his scoring rate — particularly in the Test and ODI formats — has come under fire.
This slower approach, critics say, put pressure on the middle order and often cost Pakistan crucial momentum during innings.
Cricket analysts note that his strike rate in ODIs dropped below 80, while his Test run rate fell below 45, signaling a growing struggle to accelerate when needed.
The Turning Point — Selection Committee’s Verdict :
On October 13, 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Babar Azam would no longer be part of the Test squad for the remaining matches against England.
Officials cited poor form, lack of intent, and a declining strike rate as key reasons for his omission.
It is the first time Babar has been officially dropped from the Test side since his debut — a decision that has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike.
iPhone 17 Now Available in Pakistan on Zero Markup Installments – Standard Chartered Launches Exclusive Offer
Strike Rate Under the Microscope :
In his last 10 ODI innings, Babar’s average strike rate hovered around 78.6, a sharp contrast to modern-day standards where top-order batters maintain above 90.
In T20Is, his recent strike rate of 118 has also been criticized as too slow for powerplay situations.
Experts believe that his conservative mindset — effective early in his career — now works against him in the aggressive, modern era of cricket.
Former players have argued that Babar needs to redefine his batting approach, adding more attacking intent while maintaining his classical technique.
Test captain Shan Masood defended the decision, saying ,Babar is a world-class player, but right now, he needs a mental and technical break. We want him to come back stronger with a refreshed mindset.
PCB sources also confirmed that Babar remains in contention for white-ball cricket, where he is expected to lead the batting lineup in the upcoming T20 and ODI series.
Expert Opinion :
Cricket analyst Ramiz Raja noted : Babar Azam’s issue isn’t talent — it’s tempo. Modern cricket demands acceleration. If he adjusts his strike rate without losing his composure, he can reclaim his place easily.
The Road Ahead
Despite the setback, Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s finest talents. His record — over 12,000 international runs — speaks volumes of his class.
But to reclaim his place, he must adapt to the modern pace of the game and silence critics questioning his intent and strike rate.
