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Babar Azam Faces Crucial Reality Check
25 Feb 2026, 1:28 pm

Babar Azam Under Pressure After Honest Advice
Babar Azam finds himself under intense scrutiny in the T20 World Cup as criticism over his strike rate and approach continues to grow. The Pakistan captain, once hailed as a modern great, is now facing questions about his adaptability in the shortest format. Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis believes that Babar Azam must begin with complete honesty to rediscover his best form.
Honest Conversation Is Key for Babar Azam
According to du Plessis, the revival of Babar Azam starts with an open and truthful discussion between the batter and head coach Mike Hesson. He stressed that numbers do not lie, and once statistics are presented clearly, players must confront reality. For Babar Azam, this phase is about acknowledging areas that need improvement rather than defending past success in the T20 World Cup.
Learning Through Discomfort
Du Plessis shared his own experience of modifying his game against spin, emphasizing that growth only comes through discomfort. He suggested that Babar Azam appears caught between sticking to his natural game and evolving with modern T20 demands. That internal battle, especially during a high-profile T20 World Cup, can impact confidence and decision-making.
Time for Change in T20 World Cup
With pressure mounting from fans and experts alike, Babar Azam must adapt quickly. If Pakistan are to remain competitive in the T20 World Cup, their premier batter needs clarity, intent, and a renewed approach at the crease.
