Babar Azam: The Prince of Pakistani Cricket Faces a Harsh Reality
When you think of Pakistan cricket, one name naturally rises to the top — Babar Azam. Revered for his flawless cover drives and calm demeanor, the right-handed maestro has long been the face of Pakistan’s modern batting revolution. Yet, on a gloomy evening in Rawalpindi, all that aura was momentarily stripped away.
Returning to the T20I format after almost a year, Babar’s comeback ended in despair — a two-ball duck that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and left him shattered in the dressing room.
Fans had expected fireworks, but instead, they witnessed heartbreak. Was this a sign of rust, pressure, or pure misfortune? Let’s dive deep into the story that has the entire cricket fraternity talking.
Babar Azam’s T20I Return Turns Nightmare: The Duck That Stunned Rawalpindi
The stage couldn’t have been more perfect — a roaring Rawalpindi crowd, a home comeback, and an eager Babar Azam hungry to reclaim his T20 throne. But cricket, as unpredictable as ever, had other plans.
As Babar walked in at No. 3, the crowd erupted. He needed just nine runs to surpass India’s Rohit Sharma and become the highest run-scorer in T20I history. Expectations soared sky-high.
Yet, in the blink of an eye, dreams turned into disbelief. Facing South Africa’s Corbin Bosch, Babar tried to flick a length ball across the line. Instead, a thick outside edge sent the ball flying straight to Reeza Hendricks at cover. The silence that followed was deafening.
The Silent Walk Back: Babar Azam’s Emotional Moment
Television replays captured a poignant scene — Babar Azam’s dejected walk back to the pavilion, eyes down, helmet in hand, a man wrestling with disappointment.
Inside the dressing room, broadcasters later showed a visibly broken Babar, head bowed, hands on knees, as teammates consoled him. For someone who has carried Pakistan’s batting for years, this was more than just a wicket — it was a personal blow.
Reports suggested that head coach Mike Hesson, who strongly advocated for Babar’s return, comforted him, reminding the star batter that “one bad game doesn’t define greatness.”
Babar Azam’s Struggles Since 2024: A Pattern or a Phase?
Since stepping down as Pakistan’s all-format captain in late 2024, Babar’s form has been under the microscope. His T20I strike rate was often criticized, and his role in the top order became a point of debate.
After being dropped for the 2025 Asia Cup, many thought his T20I journey was nearing its end. Yet, selectors — and fans — hoped this comeback series against South Africa would mark a fresh start.
Sadly, fate had other ideas. Instead of rewriting his legacy, Babar Azam’s nightmare start reopened old wounds and reignited discussions about his place in Pakistan’s future T20 plans.
Breaking Down the Dismissal: A Technical Glitch or Mental Pressure?
Was Babar’s dismissal a case of poor shot selection or just nerves?
Analysts have mixed opinions. Some point to a technical flaw — Babar’s bat coming slightly across the line — while others blame the psychological weight of expectations.
Cricket expert Ramiz Raja told a local broadcaster:
“Babar looked tense. He wasn’t playing freely. That’s not the Babar Azam we know. Maybe the pressure to prove himself again got the better of him.”
Even a minor lapse in judgment can prove fatal in T20 cricket. And for Babar, that single misjudged stroke now stands as a painful reminder of how fleeting form can be.
South Africa Dominate as Pakistan Crumble
While all eyes were on Babar, South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks and George Linde quietly scripted a commanding performance. Hendricks’ fluent 60 off 40 balls and Linde’s 36 from 22 powered the Proteas to a challenging 195-run total.
Pakistan’s chase never really got going. Early wickets — including that of Babar Azam — left the middle order exposed. Despite a few cameos, Pakistan fell short by 55 runs, trailing 0–1 in the three-match series.
It was a forgettable night for Pakistan cricket, but even more so for Babar Azam.
Statistics Don’t Lie: The Unwanted Record for Babar Azam
Cricket is cruel in how it immortalizes numbers — both the glorious and the grim.
Babar’s two-ball duck marked his eighth T20I duck, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record of seven.
Here’s how that list looks among top international players:
| Player | T20I Ducks | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| Umar Akmal | 10 | 84 |
| Saim Ayub | 9 | 31 |
| Babar Azam | 8 | 106 |
| Virat Kohli | 7 | 115 |
While this statistic doesn’t define his brilliance, it certainly paints a worrying trend — one that fans hope he reverses soon.
A Look Back: Babar Azam’s Last T20I Before the Comeback
Babar’s previous T20I appearance came in December 2024, coincidentally also against South Africa. That match saw him score a patient 47 off 38 balls — a steady knock that silenced critics for a while.
Fast forward to 2025, and the story couldn’t be more different. The contrast between those two innings symbolizes the fine line between success and failure in T20 cricket.
The Emotional Weight of a Comeback: What It Means for Babar Azam?
For seasoned players like Babar Azam, comebacks aren’t just about performance — they’re about pride.
When selectors drop you and then recall you, every inning feels like an audition. Every shot is analyzed, every mistake magnified.
Cricket writer Osman Samiuddin once said:
“Babar carries the expectations of millions with every innings. When he fails, it feels personal — not just for him, but for Pakistan.”
That emotional burden was visible on his face after the dismissal — a reflection of the intense scrutiny top players live under.
Mike Hesson’s Gamble: Did It Backfire?
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson, formerly with New Zealand and RCB, played a big role in reinstating Babar Azam.
He believed Babar’s experience would anchor Pakistan’s batting ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
But after this failure, critics are questioning Hesson’s decision. Should Pakistan have persisted with younger talents like Saim Ayub or Irfan Khan Niazi instead? Or was Babar’s inclusion a calculated risk that simply didn’t pay off — yet?
Fans React: From Shock to Sympathy
Social media exploded moments after Babar’s dismissal. Hashtags like #BabarAzam and #PakistanVsSouthAfrica trended worldwide.
Some fans were heartbroken:
“Even the best have bad days. We still believe in you, King Babar,” one fan tweeted.
Others were brutally honest:
“We love Babar, but maybe his time in T20s is done. Let’s build for the future.”
This divide among supporters reflects a larger debate — should Pakistan continue investing in Babar for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Pressure of Records: Chasing Rohit Sharma’s Milestone
Another subplot to this story was the record chase.
Babar needed only nine runs to surpass Rohit Sharma’s T20I run tally (4,231 runs) and become the format’s all-time top scorer.
Ironically, the pursuit of that milestone might have added invisible pressure. In sports psychology, such mental blocks can often lead to hesitation — something fans may have noticed in Babar’s brief stay at the crease.
Babar Azam’s Mental Resilience: Can He Recover from This Setback?
The hallmark of great athletes isn’t perfection — it’s resilience.
Babar has overcome challenges before, from captaincy controversies to criticism over his strike rate.
Former teammate Sarfaraz Ahmed summed it up best:
“Babar’s story isn’t over. It’s just another chapter. He’ll come back stronger because he’s built for greatness.”
And history supports that. Time and again, Babar has silenced doubters with match-winning knocks. Fans can only hope this failure fuels his next triumph.
Inside the Dressing Room: Team’s Reaction to Babar’s Dismissal
Sources close to the team described a tense dressing room atmosphere. Players reportedly rallied around Babar, reminding him of his value to the squad.
Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood was overheard saying:
“Babar, forget this one. The series is long — we’ve got your back.”
Moments like these highlight the camaraderie that defines Pakistan cricket — fragile yet fiercely loyal.
What This Means for Pakistan’s 2026 World Cup Plans?
Babar’s form will be crucial as Pakistan prepares for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The team’s middle order remains inconsistent, and selectors had hoped Babar’s experience would stabilize it.
But if the slump continues, tough decisions may loom. Will Pakistan persist with its veteran talisman, or hand the baton to a new generation?
Time — and performances — will tell.
Comparing Legends: How Babar Azam’s Stats Stack Up?
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 151 | 4,231 | 32.5 | 139.5 | 6 |
| Virat Kohli | 115 | 4,037 | 52.0 | 137.9 | 7 |
| Babar Azam | 106 | 4,222 | 41.6 | 128.1 | 8 |
Even with the recent duck, Babar remains among T20I’s elite run-scorers, proving that one failure can’t erase a decade of brilliance.
Lessons to Learn: What Babar Azam Must Do Next?
To reclaim his form, Babar might need to:
- Play more domestic T20 matches to regain rhythm.
- Adjust his batting approach, embracing calculated aggression.
- Seek mental conditioning support, easing performance pressure.
- Ignore social media noise, focusing solely on cricket.
These adjustments could define whether he heads to the 2026 T20 World Cup as Pakistan’s batting mainstay or as a fading icon.
The Road Ahead: Babar Azam’s Redemption Arc
Babar’s next innings could either silence critics or amplify concerns.
But if history is any indicator, expect him to bounce back with elegance and determination.
Pakistan’s fans — ever loyal, ever demanding — will be watching, hoping their hero’s nightmare gives rise to a spectacular comeback.
FAQs About Babar Azam’s T20I Return
1. Why was Babar Azam dropped from the T20I squad earlier?
He was omitted after inconsistent performances and strategic experimentation ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
2. How many T20I ducks does Babar Azam have now?
Babar has now registered eight ducks in T20I cricket.
3. What record was Babar Azam close to breaking?
He needed nine runs to surpass Rohit Sharma’s all-time T20I run record.
4. Will Babar Azam play in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
It depends on his form and fitness. The selectors still value his experience and leadership.
5. Who dismissed Babar Azam in the South Africa match?
He was dismissed by Corbin Bosch, caught by Reeza Hendricks at cover.
6. What did coach Mike Hesson say about Babar’s failure?
Reports suggest Hesson supported him, stating that one bad outing doesn’t diminish his quality.
Conclusion: From Heartbreak to Hope — The Babar Azam Story Continues
Cricket has an uncanny way of humbling even its greatest stars.
For Babar Azam, the duck against South Africa may have been a low point, but it’s not the end of his story — far from it.
Every champion stumbles before rising again. And if there’s one thing the world knows about Babar, it’s that he never stays down for long.
As Pakistan eyes the 2026 T20 World Cup, all eyes will once again be on Babar Azam — the man, the myth, the maestro — hoping his next innings brings redemption, not regret.
