Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has strongly voiced his support for Babar Azam’s return to the No. 3 batting position in ODIs, arguing that the team should stop experimenting with his role and instead capitalize on his proven track record.
In a social media post, Rashid Latif highlighted Babar Azam’s stellar record while batting at his favored position, which is in stark contrast to his current form.
Babar’s most successful run-scoring phase has come when batting at one-down, where he has amassed 5,416 runs, including 19 centuries and 29 fifties. Pakistan recently promoted him to the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman, where he failed to make an impression in all three games. He is expected to play the same role in the upcoming Champions Trophy, a decision many former cricketers oppose.
“Babar Azam should play at Number 3 regardless of whether he delivers or fails again. His best output has come at No. 3, and Pakistan should get the best out of him instead of making him a tool for experimentation,” Latif stated.
Rashid Latif’s words hold weight. Not only has Babar struggled to make an impact at the top of the batting order, but his promotion has also exposed holes in Pakistan’s middle order. Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam have failed to make the spot their own, leaving Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha to carry the scoring burden. Moving Babar back to his favored spot may turn the team’s fortunes with the bat as well.
Latif’s comments come at a time when the Pakistan team management is under scrutiny for its tactical decisions, especially leading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As Pakistan aims to defend their Champions Trophy title, finding stability in the batting order will be crucial for their success. Whether this change will come to pass remains to be seen.