The 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and with it comes the much-anticipated debate over the batting positions of key players in the Pakistan cricket team. One of the most pressing issues for Pakistan is the position of their star batsman, Babar Azam, who has been struggling to find his form in recent times, particularly as an opener. Despite concerns surrounding his performance in this role, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that Babar will continue to open the innings in the high-stakes tournament. This bold decision has raised eyebrows, but it also sheds light on the strategic thinking behind Pakistan’s approach in the Champions Trophy.
Babar Azam’s Struggles as an Opener
Babar Azam is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world across all formats. With a solid record in limited-overs cricket, particularly at the number three position, his statistics speak for themselves: 5,416 runs in 104 One Day International (ODI) matches at an average of 60.17. However, his recent attempts to open the innings have been less than impressive. Since his promotion to the opening role in the recent tri-nation ODI series, Babar has managed only 88 runs in six innings at a dismal average of 17.60.
Babar’s batting has often been a beacon of consistency for Pakistan, and his numbers at number three in ODIs are a testament to his ability to anchor an innings. Yet, his failure to excel as an opener in recent matches has drawn sharp criticism from fans, analysts, and cricket pundits alike. With Pakistan’s top-order failing to fire in the recent past, the pressure has mounted on Babar to deliver the goods, especially when he is expected to provide the stability and skill that he is so well known for.
Rizwan’s Confidence in Babar
Despite the concerns surrounding Babar’s position in the opening slot, Mohammad Rizwan, the captain of Pakistan, has reiterated his trust in the star batter. In a pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, Rizwan confirmed that Babar will continue to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman.
Rizwan’s faith in Babar Azam reflects a broader philosophy of stability and continuity. According to Rizwan, Babar is “satisfied” with his role as an opener, which is a crucial factor in the decision-making process. The captain believes that Babar’s confidence in his ability to succeed at the top of the order outweighs the concerns about his recent form. Rizwan also emphasized the importance of maintaining a left-right batting combination, which can put pressure on opposition bowlers in the middle overs.
Rizwan’s comments underline the team’s desire to ensure that the batting lineup maintains a balanced approach and that players are given the confidence to excel in their roles. This decision, though met with some skepticism, suggests that Pakistan’s leadership wants to avoid drastic changes that could disrupt the team’s rhythm and morale in a tournament of this magnitude.
The Strategic Importance of Babar’s Role
While the concerns about Babar’s recent form as an opener are valid, the decision to keep him in this position might also be rooted in a strategic plan. In modern-day cricket, the opening pair plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for the innings. A solid opening partnership can lay the foundation for the middle order to capitalize on the initial breakthroughs. By pairing Babar with Fakhar Zaman, who is known for his aggressive stroke play, Pakistan aims to create a dynamic partnership that can take on the new ball effectively.
The left-right combination at the crease also provides an added advantage, as it forces the bowlers to adjust their lines and lengths. This strategy, commonly used by teams in limited-overs cricket, can create confusion for the opposition bowlers, particularly in the middle overs, where they have fewer fielding restrictions. Rizwan’s emphasis on this combination suggests that the management has taken a long-term view, prioritizing balance over individual performance issues in the short term.
Furthermore, the decision to continue with Babar at the top of the order might reflect the management’s belief in his adaptability. Even though his recent performances have been underwhelming, Babar is still considered one of Pakistan’s most reliable batsmen. His ability to play both the anchor and aggressive roles could be crucial for Pakistan’s success in the Champions Trophy. The team might be hoping that, with time, Babar will adjust to the demands of the opening position and rediscover his touch.