Azam in the Shadows of Form? Babar’s Lean Patch Spurs Questions
What’s up with Babar Azam lately? Once touted as Pakistan’s response to the likes of Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, Babar’s golden touch seems to have hit a bit of… well, tarnish. The former Pakistan captain, who’s widely celebrated for his elegance on the pitch, is now facing cricket’s version of a midlife crisis (at only 30, no less).
A Century Drought That’s Hard to Ignore
Numbers don’t lie, and unfortunately for Babar, they’re not doing him any favors. It’s been 712 days since his last international century, scored against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup. Since then? Nada, zilch, not even a sniff of that three-digit scoreboard glory. Across formats, he’s strung together a series of solid starts but has consistently failed to convert them into monumental innings. Here’s a breakdown so even skeptics can’t argue:
- ODIs: 28 matches, a measly 37.16 average with just 929 runs at a lackluster strike rate of 79.53.
- Tests: Averaging 23.15 in the last 10 games. Ouch.
- T20Is: 33.54 over 24 matches. Respectable, but not quite ‘top-tier.’
What’s the common thread here? Consistently failing to convert good starts into big scores that could tilt the momentum of a match.
The Fab 5 Membership Is Hanging by a Thread
Ah, the coveted Fab 5 club that includes (or included?) Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli. Azam was supposed to cement the Pakistan representation in this elite class. But recent performances are more “Meh 5” than Fab. Fans and critics alike have started questioning his legitimacy in the group, especially as his peers continue to rack up accolades while our man Babar is stuck in second gear.
Social media, unsurprisingly, hasn’t been kind. With snarky remarks like “No Zimbabwe, No Nepal, No Party for Babar Azam,” armchair critics are having a field day. The question now looms large—is this just a rough patch, or has Babar plateaued?
The Pressure Cooker
Pakistani cricket comes with its own unique brand of pressure. One day, you’re hailed as a national hero; the next, you’re the subject of viral memes and hashtags. It’s as if fans are simultaneously expecting Azam to fix the economy and score centuries against every attack under the sun. The bar is absurdly high, and Azam’s recent lack of consistency has magnified the scrutiny.
Having been excluded from the T20 team in December 2024, Babar’s confidence might have taken a hit. His ODI and Test output in 2025 didn’t do much to argue for his case either. With two fifties in Tests and sporadic ODI contributions, the promise of a “name to remember for the ages” seems to be slipping away.
Is This the End of the Road? Not Quite
Before we start chiseling Babar’s epitaph, it’s worth remembering that slumps are part of every great player’s career. Remember when Virat Kohli took over 1,000 days to score an international century? Critics wrote him off only for him to come roaring back with a T20I ton. Same goes for Steve Smith’s form dips or Kane Williamson’s injury setbacks. Great players know how to silence their doubters. Can Babar do the same? Only time will tell.
What’s Next for Azam?
With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, all eyes are on Babar. Will he bat his way back into form or become a liability for the team? Even his supporters are cautiously optimistic. The clear takeaway here is that talent isn’t the issue. Focus, confidence, and a bit of spark might be what’s missing right now.
Final Word
Whether you’re a fan or a critic, there’s no denying Babar Azam’s natural talent. His ability to effortlessly drive the ball through cover or flick it off his pads with near artistic finesse isn’t something that fades overnight. But potential only gets you so far. To remain at the top, conversion and consistency are absolutely key.
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure. Babar Azam, whether cruising at the top or clawing his way back to form, will remain a storyline worth following. For now, though? The shadows of form loom large over Pakistan’s brightest star, and the clock is ticking.
