Babar Azam Under Fire: Ex-Pakistan Cricketer Highlights Deepening Technical Woes

The spotlight on Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has intensified following a string of underwhelming performances in the ongoing ODI tri-series. Despite managing decent starts in his recent outings, the former captain has found himself unable to anchor the innings, leading to growing frustration among fans and former players alike. With his inability to convert cameos into substantial scores, the technical foundation of his batting is being put under the microscope.

Babar managed scores of 45 against Sri Lanka and 34 against England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, but both dismissals followed a similar pattern of struggling to dictate terms. The consistency with which he has fallen after settling in has prompted sharp criticism, with former Pakistan international Tanveer Ahmed leading the charge by identifying glaring vulnerabilities in the batter’s current approach.

Tanveer Ahmed Points to Structural Weaknesses

Tanveer Ahmed did not mince his words when assessing the current state of Babar’s game. In a scathing critique, the former pacer highlighted three specific areas where he believes the star batsman is becoming increasingly predictable and vulnerable to international bowling attacks.

“Babar Azam has reached a stage where he is getting stuck,” Ahmed remarked. “He is struggling against spin, having real issues with incoming deliveries from quick bowlers, and now he is even looking uncomfortable against the short ball.”

Ahmed questioned the strategic evolution of a player of Babar’s caliber, noting that top-tier batters should not be offering opponents such a clear blueprint for dismissal. “When you are a top-ranked player, you cannot afford to have three distinct weaknesses exposed simultaneously. If you continue to get trapped in these specific areas, it begs the question: when will you actually score the big runs?”

Technical Struggles Against Spin and Pace

The core of the concern lies in Babar’s footwork, which analysts suggest has become tentative, particularly against the slower bowlers. Observers have noted that he often commits to the front foot far too early, leaving him little margin for error when the ball turns or holds its line. This lack of adjustment was evident during his clash with England, where Will Jacks accounted for his wicket, effectively highlighting a pattern that opposing captains are now actively exploiting.

Furthermore, the vulnerability against sharp, incoming deliveries from fast bowlers suggests that Babar’s alignment at the crease may be compromised, forcing him to play around his pad or defend awkwardly. When combined with a visible hesitation against bouncers—a component of the game he previously handled with relative ease—it creates a “triple threat” that bowlers are using to keep him quiet.

For Pakistan, the form of their premier batter is critical as they head into a demanding international calendar. Ahmed’s assessment serves as a wake-up call for the coaching staff and the player himself, emphasizing that unless these technical glitches are addressed, the middle-order maestro risks a prolonged slump. As the tri-series progresses, all eyes will be on whether Babar can silence his critics by reverting to the composed, long-innings style that once made him the most feared batter in the format.

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