Younis Khan Advocates Middle-Order Role for Babar and Rizwan to Boost T20 Impact
Former captain Younis Khan has stepped into the discussion surrounding the batting positions of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, voicing strong support for a change in their current roles. According to Younis, the star duo are not best utilized as openers in Pakistan’s T20I setup and would thrive more effectively in the middle order.
In a recent appearance on the TV show Josh Jaga Dey, Younis highlighted that while both Babar and Rizwan are vital assets to the national team, their true strength lies in stabilizing the innings from the middle – not firing from the very start.
“They absolutely deserve to be in the playing XI, but not as openers,” Younis remarked. “Their skill set is more aligned with building the innings, providing control and structure during the middle overs.”
While Babar and Rizwan have earned a reputation for consistency, their relatively modest strike rates have sparked debate in today’s fast-paced T20 game, where teams now seek explosive powerplay starts. Yet, their overall stats remain elite. Together, they’ve piled up 3,300 runs in T20 Internationals between 2019 and 2024, including 10 century stands and 15 fifties, with a record partnership of 203 runs unbeaten.
Babar Azam stands tall as the second-highest run-getter in T20I history, scoring 4,223 runs in 128 matches at an average of 39.83 and a strike rate of 129.22, along with 36 half-centuries and 3 hundreds.
Rizwan isn’t far behind, with 3,414 runs in 106 matches at an average of 47.41 and a strike rate of 125.37, notching 30 fifties and a century.
Younis believes adjusting their batting positions would allow Pakistan to capitalize on their strengths, bringing much-needed balance and depth to the team.
Umar Akmal Suggests Break for Babar to Regain Form
Meanwhile, former national cricketer Umar Akmal has also spoken out in favor of Babar Azam, suggesting the stylish right-hander should take a temporary break from cricket to refresh his mindset and regain his form.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Umar praised Babar’s talent and reminded critics of his contributions to Pakistan cricket. He emphasized that temporary dips in form are natural and should not overshadow a player’s long-term impact.
“He’s the finest batsman we have,” said Umar. “Even the best go through rough patches. Virat Kohli took time off and came back stronger. Babar should do the same.”
Umar advised Babar to meet with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the chief selector, and the national captain to request a two-month break from all cricketing duties to focus on himself.
“Spend time with family, train without pressure, and come back with a fresh mindset,” Umar advised.
He further encouraged Babar to consider stepping down as Peshawar Zalmi’s captain in the PSL to help relieve pressure and play with more freedom.
“Just like he stepped down from national captaincy, it’s okay to leave franchise leadership too,” Umar said. “Let him enjoy batting again, without the weight of expectations.”
Referencing Sahibzada Farhan’s strong domestic form, Umar explained how players perform better when placed in comfortable roles. He added that leadership responsibilities and public pressure have likely affected Babar’s form, and easing those could help him return to his best.
5 FAQs for Pakistani Readers:
1. Why are Babar and Rizwan being criticized as openers?
Their strike rates have been considered too slow for the modern T20 format, where aggressive starts are crucial in the powerplay.
2. What are Younis Khan’s recommendations for Babar and Rizwan?
He believes they should bat in the middle order to bring stability and better utilize their ability to anchor innings.
3. How has Babar performed as a T20I batsman?
Babar has scored over 4,200 runs in T20Is, averaging nearly 40, and is the second-highest run-scorer in the format’s history.
4. Why does Umar Akmal think Babar should take a break?
To mentally recharge and return with fresh energy, similar to how Virat Kohli did after his form slump.
5. Should Babar step down from PSL captaincy too?
Umar Akmal suggests this would help Babar play with less pressure and regain his rhythm without leadership stress.
