A shocking turn of events has left cricket fans in a state of disbelief, with Babar Azam's performance in the T20 World Cup raising serious questions about his future in the sport.
The former Pakistan captain, known for his elegant batting, faced a brutal backlash after a disastrous display against the Netherlands. His shot selection was criticized as 'horrendous,' and it almost cost Pakistan the match.
'Where's the Superstar?'
Babar's slow and uninspired batting against the Dutch has sparked a heated debate. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali didn't hold back, questioning Babar's status as a superstar in T20Is. He boldly stated, "I have a feeling Babar won't play in the next game. The coach's anger speaks volumes."
But here's where it gets controversial...
Babar's dismissal against the Netherlands was a classic case of overconfidence. He attempted a big shot, only to be caught out by a well-executed delivery. It's a reminder that even the best batters can have off days.
And this is the part most people miss...
Basit Ali argues that Babar's struggles aren't limited to this match. He failed to impress in the Big Bash League (BBL) before the World Cup, and even club cricketers could tell you that other Pakistani players are better suited to the T20 format.
The incident with Steve Smith in the BBL, where Smith denied Babar a single to prevent him from facing the next ball, highlights Babar's apparent lack of adaptability to T20 cricket.
"If we're talking about ODIs or Tests, I'd still call Babar a superstar. But in T20s? Where's the superstar in that?" Basit questioned.
Even Pakistan captain Salman Agha hinted at the possibility of dropping Babar if he doesn't fit the team's strategy.
So, is Babar's T20 career in jeopardy? Will he be able to turn things around?
What do you think? Is Babar's reputation as a superstar in T20Is justified? Share your thoughts in the comments!