Babar Azam’s recent decline in Test cricket has been a significant concern for Pakistan, marking a turning point in the career of one of the nation’s most celebrated batsmen.
For the first time in five years, Azam has fallen out of the top 10 in the ICC Test rankings, a startling drop that reflects his recent struggles with the bat.
His consistent underperformance in red-ball cricket has not only affected his personal standings but has also had a ripple effect on Pakistan’s overall Test team ranking.
One of the most glaring examples of Azam’s struggles was during Pakistan’s recent home series against Bangladesh. Despite being one of the team’s key players, Azam managed to score only 64 runs across four innings.
His inability to anchor the innings or contribute significantly with the bat was a crucial factor in Pakistan’s shocking 2-0 whitewash on home soil.
This series defeat was particularly disheartening for Pakistan, as it marked the first time Bangladesh had ever won a Test series against them, making it a historic moment for the visitors and a low point for the hosts.
The impact of this series loss has been profound on Pakistan’s standing in the ICC Test rankings. The team has now slipped to the eighth position, the lowest it has been since 1965.
This decline not only underscores the team’s current struggles but also raises concerns about the future of Pakistan’s Test cricket, especially with their captain and star batsman, Babar Azam, in such poor form.
Azam’s slump is further highlighted by his ongoing century drought, which dates back to December 2022. In his last 16 Test innings, he has failed to reach even a half-century, a stark contrast to his earlier performances where he was a consistent run-scorer.
As the captain and one of the most talented batsmen in the team, Azam’s form is crucial to Pakistan’s success in Test cricket. His continued struggles could have long-term implications for the team’s performance on the international stage.
As Pakistan looks to recover from this setback, there is hope that Babar Azam will find his form again and lead the team to better results in future Test matches. His resurgence is essential not only for his career but also for the revival of Pakistan’s fortunes in the longer format of the game.