Babar Azam is reportedly set to find some respite from his ongoing struggles with the bat, as reports suggest that the once-prolific batter will return to his favored batting position in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The former captain was promoted to the opener’s role alongside Fakhar Zaman during the recently concluded tri-series but failed to turn his fortunes around. The Pakistan team management is now ready to end the experiment by moving him back to the one-down slot, a position he has preferred since making his international debut.
Babar’s record at No. 3 speaks volumes about his consistency and ability to anchor the innings. With 5,416 runs, including 19 centuries and 29 fifties in One-Day Internationals, he has firmly established himself as Pakistan’s best performer in the middle order. The team management hopes his return to a more familiar position helps him rediscover his form when the tournament kicks off tomorrow.
However, Babar Azam’s return to the one-down position will necessitate another reshuffle in Pakistan’s batting order for the Champions Trophy, an issue the team has struggled with since the squad’s announcement. Reportedly, the management is considering Saud Shakeel or even Usman Khan to partner Fakhar Zaman at the top of the order.
With his aggressive approach, Usman offers Pakistan a genuine X-factor alongside Fakhar, but he has yet to significantly impact international cricket. On the other hand, Saud’s technique and adaptability make him a more traditional opening option, serving as an anchor to complement Fakhar’s belligerent style.
Neither Saud Shakeel nor Usman Khan has opened the batting for Pakistan in an international fixture, leaving the results of this reshuffle uncertain.
With the tournament set to begin tomorrow, Pakistan will need to quickly finalize their priorities, as this will be crucial to their success. The defending champions are known to thrive in chaotic situations, but their strategy in the opening game could play a decisive role in determining whether they can overcome tough competition and make a deep run in the tournament.
All questions will be answered when Pakistan takes the field against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener tomorrow in Karachi.
