Mike Hesson Open to Bringing Babar and Rizwan Back in T20I Squad

After months of uncertainty and shifting strategies in Pakistan’s T20I setup, newly appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has opened the door for a potential return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to the shortest format, signaling a possible course correction ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.

Once considered untouchable at the top of the order, Babar and Rizwan found themselves out of the T20I picture in recent series, a consequence of mounting criticism over their strike rates. While their partnership was statistically prolific, it often came under fire for lacking the urgency demanded by modern T20 cricket.

Under Aaqib Javed, Pakistan shifted towards experimentation in recent outings, giving opportunities to more aggressive players like Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris at the top of the order. The intention was clear: to find a higher-tempo batting unit capable of challenging the world’s best.

But the results were underwhelming, and questions remain over whether the newer faces offer the same level of reliability under pressure.

Now, with Hesson at the helm, a more pragmatic view may be taking shape. The former New Zealand coach, known for his analytical and flexible approach, has left the door ajar if Babar and Rizwan can overcome their issues. According to reports in local media, Mike Hesson is eager to work with the duo and help improve their strike rates to find a way back into the side.

With the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 World Cup coming up soon, Babar and Rizwan’s T20I experience could be key in delivering silverware for the country.

Whether both players return together or not, Hesson’s message is clear: past performance won’t be ignored, and versatility and experience will define Pakistan’s batting blueprint going forward.

In a landscape where strike rates dominate discourse, Hesson’s arrival could mark the beginning of a more balanced era. And for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, it may just be the fresh start they’ve been waiting for.