Babar Azam is all set to make a extremely anticipated return to Pakistan’s T20I setup after nearly a 12 months on the sidelines. The star batter, who was beforehand unnoticed of the squad as Pakistan experimented with new mixtures, is again within the fold for the upcoming three-match residence sequence in opposition to South Africa. His comeback has generated vital pleasure amongst followers and specialists alike, because the Males in Inexperienced look to rebuild their T20 facet forward of the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Mike Hesson reveals Babar Azam’s batting place
Forward of the primary T20I in Rawalpindi, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has make clear the batting place of Babar. The previous New Zealand cricketer confirmed that Babar will function at quantity three within the batting order, a place that indicators a tactical shift in Pakistan’s lineup. The transfer comes as a part of Hesson’s broader plan so as to add extra flexibility and stability to the highest order following a blended run of performances in latest months.
Babar, who final featured in a T20I sequence in opposition to South Africa in December 2024, was unnoticed of the Asia Cup 2025 squad as selectors turned their consideration to youthful gamers. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s disappointing marketing campaign within the continental event has prompted a rethink, paving the way in which for the skilled batter’s return in opposition to the Proteas — runners-up on the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Whereas Babar has predominantly opened in T20Is all through his profession, the pinnacle coach believes the shift to quantity three will enable Pakistan to maximise their batting depth whereas giving youthful gamers an opportunity to open the innings with extra freedom.
“It’s an awesome alternative to get Babar again into the squad. He’s more likely to bat at three, so it’s a task that I’m very assured he’ll be capable of do properly in. His expertise, temperament, and talent to manage the innings make him a pure match for this place,” mentioned Hesson whereas speaking to reporters throughout a coaching session on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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Babar closing in on Rohit Sharma’s world document
Alongside his return, Babar additionally stands on the verge of a serious milestone. The 31-year-old wants simply 9 runs to surpass Indian nice Rohit Sharma and change into the all-time main run-scorer in males’s T20 internationals. Babar presently has 4,223 runs from 128 T20Is at a median of 39.83, whereas Rohit tops the record with 4,231 runs from 159 matches. Virat Kohli is at third with 4,188 runs in 125 video games.
Most runs in males’s T20Is:
- Rohit Sharma – 4,231 runs in 159 matches
- Babar Azam – 4,223 runs in 128 matches
- Virat Kohli – 4,188 runs in 125 matches
If Babar overtakes Rohit in the course of the sequence, he’ll change into the quickest participant to attain the feat in fewer matches than each Indian legends.
Additionally READ: PAK vs SA 2025, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in South Africa, Pakistan, USA & other countries
