---

⁠Is Babar Azam’s Test Career Over?

Babar Azam, the charismatic captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has long been heralded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. Since his test debut in 2016, Babar has captivated fans and analysts alike with his elegant stroke play, consistency, and undeniable talent. Initially, he quickly rose through the ranks, establishing himself as the backbone of the Pakistani batting lineup across all formats. However, the narrative surrounding his Test career has taken a concerning turn in recent months, as he has struggled to regain form. This article discusses Babar Azam’s form in Test cricket and whether he will make a return.

What Happened To Babar Azam?

Credit: Hindustan Times

Babar Azam is going through the worst run of games in his career. The star Pakistani batsman has not been able to score a fifty in his last 18 innings. Azam has been averaging just 20.71 since 2023, an abysmal statistic, especially for a player of Babar Azam’s calibre. Babar’s Test form has been noticeably below par. His struggles have led to mounting criticism, both from cricket enthusiasts and former players. However, Babar has faced the ups and downs that every player experiences and the consistency of his recent failures has raised eyebrows, which eventually led to the star being replaced in Pakistan’s second Test against England.

Kamran Ghulam was called upon to replace Babar Azam in the second Test against England. While many questioned if removing Azam mid-series would be the best decision and if Ghulam would be able to fill his shoes, the talented Pakistani star shut up his critics with the bat. While Azam had failed to score a half-century in his last 18 innings, Ghulam managed a century in his Test cricket debut. He made 118 runs in 224 balls in the first inning. While his second-inning performances did not follow suit, his century was a huge help, and he helped Pakistan win the match by 152 runs.

---

ALSO READ: Famous Film Producer’s Son Agni Chopra Lights Up Ranji Trophy

---

Test cricket not only requires skill but also huge amounts of mental acuity, patience, and temperament. These are aspects that the Pakistani player will have to concentrate and work on if he intends to make a comeback. Babar Azam’s replacement, Kamran Ghulam, performed brilliantly in the first game itself, and if he continues to perform like this, Azam will find it hard to regain his place on the team. He will first need to work closely with batting coaches, focusing on his weaker areas, refining his footwork, and honing his concentration levels to ensure consistency.

Big moment for Kamran Ghulam as he hits a FOUR to bring up his maiden Test century! 💯#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/beA8rpCl68

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 15, 2024

Babar Azam’s start to his Test career was so impressive that there were talks of the ‘Fab Four’ being converted to ‘Fab Five’, with Azam being the new entrant. The ‘Fab Four’ is a group of exceptional Test cricketers, which includes Virat Kohli from India, Steve Smith from Australia, Joe Root from England, and Kane Williamson from New Zealand. While there were talks about him joining this elite group, this prospect has completely vanished, given his latest form. From talks about entering one of the most elite cricketing groups to being dropped by his country, Babar Azam’s fall has been unnerving.

The Pakistani star’s Test career faces a pivotal moment. Having established himself as one of modern cricket’s greats, his recent form calls for reassessment and growth. While his replacement, Kamran Ghulam, performed wonderfully, this is not something Azam needs to concentrate on right now. While Ghulam has excited the fans, all eyes will not only be on the exciting talent but on Azam’s resolve to reclaim his place as an integral part of the Pakistani Test lineup. The Pakistani teams and fans will both want their star man back and will be more than happy if Azam is able to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.

For more news and updates on Babar Azam, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram.

---

---

More News

---

Comments