Babar Azam's T20 Comeback: Spin Mastery and Strike Rate Challenge

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is urged to enhance his batting against spin and increase his strike rate for T20 International consideration. Despite being a pivotal figure in other formats, Azam hasn't played a T20I since last year's South Africa tour. His improvement could see him back in the squad.

Pakistan's former captain Babar Azam is under pressure to refine his batting against spin and augment his strike rate to rejoin the Twenty20 International squad, according to coach Mike Hesson. Despite his significant role in other formats, Babar has not appeared in T20Is since Pakistan's tour of South Africa in the previous year.

The 30-year-old batsman was omitted from Pakistan's squad for the Asia Cup, with management opting for emerging talents like Sahibzada Farhan. "Babar needs to progress in tackling spin and enhancing his strike rate," remarked Hesson, pointing to Babar's moderate strike rate of 129 in T20Is.

Hesson suggested that Babar utilize the Big Bash League in Australia to demonstrate his development in the T20 format and secure a comeback. Pakistan's Asia Cup endeavors start with a match against Oman in Dubai on September 12, followed by a high-profile clash against arch-rivals India.

(With inputs from agencies.)