In a striking endorsement of Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hassen’s recent comments, former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has pointed out Babar Azam’s lagging strike rate in T20 cricket. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, du Plessis highlighted how the game’s evolution has left the Pakistani star somewhat behind in the aggressive powerplay demands of modern T20.
Hassen had earlier dropped a bombshell in a press conference, announcing that Babar would no longer open in the T20 World Cup. ‘His strike rate doesn’t match the needs of modern powerplay cricket,’ Hassen stated bluntly, prompting widespread debate.
Babar, traditionally Pakistan’s T20 opener, has been slotted at number four in the World Cup. His bat has remained frustratingly silent, aggregating just 66 runs at an average of 22. Critics have zeroed in on his strike rate and poor form, especially against spin on turning tracks.
‘I’ve known Babar as one of the world’s best for years,’ du Plessis remarked. ‘But T20 has raced ahead, emphasizing strike rates so much that he’s a bit behind there.’ He noted Babar’s rate hovers around 120, while powerplays now demand 160-190 or even 200.
Despite the critique, du Plessis affirmed Babar’s value. ‘He’s earned his spot. He excels on spin-friendly pitches and rotates strike superbly.’ Yet, recent struggles against spinners have fueled further questions about his adaptability.
As Pakistan navigates the World Cup, this captain-coach-player dynamic underscores the high-stakes pressure in T20. Babar remains pivotal, but evolving his game could be key to redemption.