Babar Azam's ongoing slump in Test cricket has sparked concern and debate, as his struggles in the longest format of the game continue to mount. In the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh, Babar's performance fell short of expectations once again. The former Pakistan captain managed to score only 31 runs off 77 balls before falling to the experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. This marks Babar's 15th consecutive Test innings without reaching the half-century mark, an alarming trend for a player who was once heralded as one of the most consistent batsmen in world cricket.
The pressure on Babar was evident as he walked out to bat after Pakistan lost their second wicket. Despite the solid platform set by Shan Masood and Saim Ayub's 122-run partnership, Babar was unable to build on this foundation. His dismissal came at a crucial time, causing Pakistan to lose momentum and eventually leading to a collapse that saw them lose three wickets for just 72 runs. The team’s fragility without significant contributions from Babar highlights how dependent they have become on their star player to anchor the innings.
Babar's inability to convert starts into meaningful scores has been a recurring issue, and his lean patch has seen him tumble down the ICC Test batters' rankings. Once ranked as high as 3rd, Babar has now slipped to 9th place, a dramatic fall that reflects his ongoing struggles. This drop in the rankings is particularly concerning given that Babar was previously seen as the linchpin of Pakistan's batting lineup, not just in Tests but across all formats.
The timing of Babar's form slump couldn't be worse, as Pakistan finds itself in a crucial phase of the World Test Championship cycle. With the tough series ahead and the pressure mounting, Babar’s form is pivotal to Pakistan’s chances of success on the global stage. His inability to deliver in recent matches has not gone unnoticed, with fans and cricket experts alike voicing their concerns. Many have pointed out that Babar’s recent struggles in Test cricket are not isolated, but part of a broader decline in form that has affected his performances in ODIs and T20Is as well.
Criticism of Babar has not been limited to his on-field performances. Off the field, his leadership and decision-making have also come under scrutiny. As the former captain of the Pakistan Test team, Babar was expected to lead by example, but his prolonged slump has raised questions about his ability to handle the pressures of leadership in the international arena. Despite stepping down as captain, the expectations on Babar remain high, and his recent failures have only intensified the spotlight on him.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stood by Babar, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stating that the country lacks the depth of talent needed to provide serious competition for spots in the national team. This statement underscores the broader challenges facing Pakistani cricket, where the reliance on a few key players like Babar has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, players like Babar have the potential to win matches single-handedly; on the other, their underperformance leaves the team vulnerable, as there are few alternatives to step up in their absence.
The ICC's recent assessment of Babar’s form described his performance in the first innings against Bangladesh as "a rare failure," though this description seems increasingly generous given the ongoing nature of his struggles. The contrast between Babar's decline and Mohammad Rizwan's ascent in the rankings highlights the shifting dynamics within the Pakistan team. Rizwan’s rise to 10th place in the ICC Test rankings, driven by his consistent performances, serves as a reminder of what Babar used to offer—reliability and brilliance under pressure.
As Pakistan continues its Test campaign, Babar Azam faces a critical juncture in his career. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see if he can rediscover the form that once made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world. A return to form would not only be a personal triumph for Babar but would also be a significant boost for a Pakistan team that has struggled for consistency in recent years. For now, the pressure continues to mount, and the spotlight on Babar Azam grows ever brighter.
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