T20 World Cup 2022: This Will Be His Last Chance, Babar Azam Could Lose His Captaincy If Pakistan Fails To Perform - Danish Kaneria
Published - 16 Sep 2022, 04:54 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:13 AM
Pakistan captain Babar Azam failed to perform well in the Asia Cup 2022. The star opener, who is in the top-3 of the ICC rankings, managed to score only 68 runs in six innings in the mega tournament and looked out of form.
The right-handed batsman came under heavy criticism after Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in the final. The former cricketers criticized his captaincy after losing the match from the winning position.
It Will Be His Last Chance As Captain – Danish Kaneria
Former cricketer Danish Kaneria said that Babar Azam could lose the captaincy if Pakistan underperforms in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.
The former leg-spinner mentioned how Azam’s captaincy was under the scanner in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022. He feels that the skipper will be answerable if these players do not perform well.
“Babar Azam is out of form. Several questions have also been raised about his captaincy. I think this will be his last chance as captain. He will be under tremendous pressure because if this team doesn’t do well, it will lead to his exit as captain. He is undoubtedly a great player. However, I don’t feel that he has backed the right team.”
Babar Azam Can Drop Himself Down To No.3 Position – Danish Kaneria
Kaneria said Babar should consider giving up his opening position because he is struggling to score quick runs in the powerplay. He feels that the Men in Green should try new combinations in the upcoming seven-match T20I series against England at home.
“Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam’s strike rates at the top are a concern. They haven’t been able to utilize the field restrictions early on and have failed to set up a platform for the other batters. Babar can’t just think about his own batting but should keep the team at the forefront.”
“He must understand that if he isn’t able to score as an opener, then some other player should replace him at that position. He can drop himself down to the No. 3 position. They can try this out against England as Rizwan has been rested for those matches.”
Pakistan will play seven Twenty20 Internationals against England before traveling to Australia for the T20 World Cup. The first match will be played on September 20 at the Karachi National Stadium.
