Former cricketers have come to the defence of Babar Azam amid growing criticism over his slow batting in the ongoing ongoing T20 World Cup.

Babar has struggled in the tournament so far, scoring just 66 runs in five matches at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 115.78. In the current era of high-tempo T20 cricket, these numbers have drawn sharp criticism from fans and critics. 

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has urged critics to take a longer view of Babar’s career and not judge him solely on his recent struggles. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Du Plessis said great players go through phases where they must adjust.

“Look, I think first of all, all great players evolve at different points in their careers. Someone like Babar, we’ve known him as one of the world’s best players for a very, very long time. I think T20I cricket has moved so far forward, especially in terms of strike rates, that he’s found himself a little bit behind in that area,” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis suggested that Pakistan should find the right role for Babar rather than forcing him into a power-hitting role he is not comfortable with. 

“So, if you’re someone like Mike Hesson, what he’s trying to do is find the best way to reintroduce him into the game. So, they’ve found a role for him, particularly on slow pitches. When you come to flat wickets, those kinds of roles aren’t as important anymore,” Du Plessis explained.

He added, “So, I think at this venue, in these specific conditions where there’s going to be a lot of spin, there could be a lot of value in someone like him in the middle overs, making sure that he anchors the innings.”

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood also weighed in, questioning the logic behind Babar’s current batting position. 

While talking to a sports show on a private TV channel, he said, “You are forcing players into this team. For example, I’m talking about Babar. You’re playing Babar at number four, even though you say that his record in the World Cup isn’t good. If Babar bats at the top, at number one or number two, his strike rate is 134, 135. You [critics] always rant about his strike rate, but if you look at your top order their strike rate too is under 130. So if you want him to play at number four as a forced middle order you have, I don’t understand the thinking behind it,” Azhar said.

Another former Pakistan batting great, Azhar Ali, echoed similar concerns about Babar’s role. 

“See Babar as an opener. He was a wonderful top player in the world three years ago as an opener. And if you’re bringing him back now, saying that you made his charge sheet so long ago, that he can’t do this or that, then play him in his position. If his spot doesn’t fit, then just carry on with the players you had selected before. But now you’ve put him in a position where even we are confused, like, does Babar even have a spot here or not? So you’ve confused yourself too,” he said.

Babar was dropped from Pakistan’s T20I setup in late 2024 as part of a broader shift toward aggressive cricket under coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha, with young players given preference. However, during the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan felt the absence of Babar’s anchoring ability, which led to his recall for the subsequent South Africa series later that year. Since then, his batting position has shifted from opening to number four.