(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi backed Babar Azam, who is witnessing a rough patch.
Ever since his century versus Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023, Babar has struggled to perform with the bat, which made him relinquish the captaincy in all formats post the ODI World Cup 2023.
However, freeing himself off the captaincy burden did not help Babar as in the three-match Test series against Australia, the right-hander faced a tough time throughout, scoring just 126 runs in six innings at an average of 21.
With the T20I series versus New Zealand approaching, Shaheen shrugged off Babar’s batting struggles, calling him the best batter of the team.
“I don’t think Babar’s form is declining, one or two innings don’t make a difference. He is our best batter. He has scored so many runs that I can’t count them,” Shaheen said as quoted in the pre-match presser.
There are reports circulating that Babar will be demoted from the opening position to No.3 in T20Is. Although Shaheen did not particularly talked about Babar, he informed that Pakistan will try different combinations in the batting order before the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled in June-July.
“There are 17 T20I matches before the World Cup, and different combinations will be tried to determine the best playing positions.
“When facing England in the series, everyone will know what needs to be done. Before the World Cup, it’s essential to determine who will play at which number and position. I don’t want any injuries before the World Cup,” Shaheen shared.
The first T20I of the five-match series is slated on January 12 in Auckland.