India, Feb 21 : Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has clarified the rationale behind the recent changes to Babar Azam’s batting order in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Traditionally an opener or No. 3 batter, Babar has been assigned a middle order role, a move that has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
In the match against Namibia, Babar did not bat as Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan were sent ahead of him. Hesson cited Babar’s strike rate in the powerplay as the reason for the adjustment. “We think he’s a fine player through the middle overs if required, especially if we’re in a bit of trouble. Once he gets set, he can increase his strike rate,” Hesson said at a pre-match press conference.
Hesson added that Babar is fully aware of the strategy and accepts that other players are better suited to certain roles during the later overs. “When we reached the 12th over mark, Babar was not the best person to come in. We have other options who can perform that role better at the end. Babar acknowledges this and understands the skills he brings to the team,” he explained.
The coaching staff emphasized that the move is designed to maximize team flexibility, ensuring the right batters face critical overs depending on match situations, rather than limiting Babar’s contribution.