Ponting and Shastri Spark Debate Over Babar Azam's T20 World Cup Struggles
Babar Azam's unconvincing start to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has ignited a rare and intense discussion, with two of cricket's most esteemed voices—Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri—openly scrutinizing Pakistan's utilization of their star batter and the mounting pressure surrounding him.
Scratchy Start Despite Team Victory
Pakistan launched their campaign with a narrow three-wicket triumph over the Netherlands, yet Babar's labored innings of 15 runs off 18 balls while batting at No.4 stood out in an otherwise positive outcome. Although the former captain had displayed glimpses of form with an unbeaten half-century against Australia in the final T20I preceding the World Cup, Ponting believes a fundamental aspect of his game has declined.
"If you're 15 off 18 balls, you're not just putting pressure on yourself, you're putting pressure on the guy at the other end," Ponting emphasized on The ICC Review. "Babar needs to hit boundaries early on. He needs to get off and going… otherwise the whole momentum of the game is going to change every time he goes in."
Concerns Over Power and Batting Position
Ponting delved deeper, suggesting that Babar may have lost some of his characteristic power during the middle overs. "It just to me looks like he's lost a bit of his power, his ball striking ability," he remarked, citing a failed attempt against spin as a concerning indicator. While acknowledging Babar's value as a big-match performer, Ponting was unequivocal: "Pakistan need the best version of Babar Azam if they're going to go further in this tournament."
Shastri resonated with these worries but framed them around the burdens of expectation and reputation. "When you are at that stage of your career, there's baggage," Shastri noted. "There's a weight of expectation. People expect you to go out there and deliver." He advocated for a more audacious approach, even if it risks early dismissal. "In your first five balls… make an effort to hit a couple of boundaries. You will feel a lot better and things might change."
Debate Over Role and Selection Pressure
Both experts also cast doubt on Babar's current batting role. Ponting proposed the idea of promoting him to No.3. "The earlier he goes in… with only two fielders out would help him," he explained, adding that Pakistan's power hitters could then capitalize in the later stages.
However, the most striking commentary emerged when selection was broached. "They've got a big decision to make whether he stays in or whether they leave him out," Ponting stated, while Shastri cautioned, "There will be questions asked."
With Pakistan scheduled to confront the USA in Colombo on February 10, Babar finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career, with his performance under intense global scrutiny.
