Fakhar Zaman Expresses Concerns About The Exclusion Of Babar Azam from the Test squad

October 13, 2024: Pakistan's opening batter, Fakhar Zaman, recently voiced concerns over suggestions to drop Babar Azam from the Test squad after a string of poor performances.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Fakhar drew a comparison between Babar’s current form and Virat Kohli’s extended lean patch in Test cricket from 2020 to 2023. Fakhar highlighted how India continued to back Kohli during his difficult phase and urged Pakistan’s management to show similar faith in Babar, whom he called "arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced."

Fakhar pointed out that if Pakistan decides to bench Babar now, it could send a "deeply negative message" to the entire team. He emphasized the importance of "safeguarding key players" rather than undermining them, warning against "pressing the panic button" prematurely.

Babar Azam’s exclusion from the squad for the second and third home Tests against England followed his lackluster performance in the first Test at Multan. He scored just 30 and 5 runs in the two innings and has been struggling in the format recently. His last 50+ score in Tests came in December 2022, and in his last 17 innings, he averages just 20.70. This has raised concerns about his place in the squad despite being one of Pakistan's top batters.

Fakhar’s reference to Kohli is significant because the Indian star endured a prolonged slump in Test cricket from 2020 to early 2023. During that period, Kohli averaged just 25.70 over 23 Tests, managing only six half-centuries in 41 innings.

However, Kohli regained his form in 2023, scoring heavily, including a notable 186 against Australia in Ahmedabad. Fakhar used this as a case study, urging Pakistan to stick by Babar in a similar way to help him regain his confidence and form.

Fakhar's comments reflect a broader conversation within Pakistani cricket circles about the need for patience with star players, especially those like Babar Azam, who have been pivotal to the team's success over the years.