Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has confirmed that star batter Babar Azam will make his T20 International comeback in the upcoming home series against South Africa, with a key change in his batting position. After a few months away from the shortest format, Babar is set to bat at number three, a move that Hesson believes will allow the former captain to play with greater freedom and stability in the middle order.
Babar’s exclusion from the T20I side in late 2024 had sparked intense debate among fans and experts. Questions were raised about his strike rate and adaptability to modern T20 demands, where aggressive starts and high-risk batting have become the norm. Since then, Babar has worked extensively on his approach, focusing on finding the right balance between maintaining his trademark consistency and increasing his scoring tempo. His return, therefore, carries significant interest — not just for Pakistan’s fans but for cricket watchers globally.
“I’m very confident he’ll do well in that role,” Hesson said, addressing the media ahead of the South Africa series. “He’s likely to bat at number three, which I think suits his game perfectly. It allows him to assess conditions, rotate strike early, and then accelerate as the innings progresses. He brings a lot of experience and composure to that spot, which will be vital for us.”
The decision to play Babar at one-down rather than opening marks a notable shift in Pakistan’s strategy. Traditionally, Babar has opened in most T20Is, forming partnerships that laid the foundation for Pakistan’s innings. However, Hesson’s new approach appears designed to strengthen the middle overs, ensuring that Pakistan maintains momentum even if early wickets fall. It also reflects a desire to build greater flexibility in the batting lineup, something Pakistan has often lacked in crunch situations.
Hesson explained that with several young openers pushing for selection, moving Babar slightly down the order gives the team balance and depth. Players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan have shown promise at the top, and allowing Babar to anchor from number three could help create a more aggressive yet stable batting framework.
For Babar himself, this comeback represents both an opportunity and a challenge. His record at number three in T20s is already impressive — he has scored heavily in that position in domestic and franchise cricket. What Pakistan will look for now is a more attacking version of him, capable of dictating the pace against both spin and pace without compromising his dependability.
Teammates and support staff have expressed excitement at his return, citing his calm influence and leadership qualities as major assets. Babar’s presence also provides reassurance to a relatively young lineup as Pakistan look to rebuild their T20 unit ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
As the team prepares for the opening T20I in Rawalpindi, expectations are high. The return of Babar Azam, now tasked with mastering a slightly new role, could prove decisive in Pakistan’s resurgence in the format. If his preparation and mindset are any indicators, Pakistan’s former captain is ready to make a strong statement — not just about his form, but about his ability to evolve with the modern game.