Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has backed the decision to move Pakistan star batter Babar Azam down the batting order, calling it a strategic move suited to modern T20 demands.
Du Plessis said Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson made the decision based on tactical considerations, particularly the need for a high strike rate during the powerplay overs in T20 cricket.
He noted that the first six overs require aggressive intent and rapid scoring, adding that classical stroke players like Babar Azam can sometimes find it challenging to consistently match that tempo in the early phase of the innings.
However, Du Plessis emphasized that the shift does not undermine Babar’s ability. Instead, he said the adjustment reflects a strategic effort to utilize the batter’s strengths in a more suitable role, ensuring maximum impact for the team.
In recent matches, Babar has been sent in at number four. Notably, in a key fixture against Namibia, he was included in the playing XI but did not get an opportunity to bat.
The move has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with discussions centered on balancing individual class with evolving T20 strategies.
