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Xtra Time Web Desk: Virender Sehwag recently criticized Babar Azam, stating that the Pakistani captain might not deserve a spot in the T20I team if there are changes in leadership following Pakistan's disappointing campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan's performance drew scrutiny as they failed to advance to the Super 8 after losses to co-hosts USA and arch-rivals India.

Sehwag pointed out that despite Babar scoring 122 runs in 4 matches at an average of 40.66, his strike rate of 101.66 is concerning in the T20 format. According to Sehwag, Babar's style does not align with the requirements of T20 cricket, which demands aggressive hitting and the ability to score boundaries and sixes regularly. He emphasized that Pakistan needs top-order batsmen who can take risks and accelerate the scoring rate effectively.

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Sehwag's comments highlight the ongoing debate about balancing technical proficiency and aggressive play in T20 cricket, particularly in the context of Pakistan's future team composition and leadership strategy.

“Babar Azam is not a player who will hit sixes. He only hits sixes when he is set and spinners are operating. I have never seen him using his feet to fast bowlers or hitting sixes over the covers; it’s not his game as he plays safe cricket by hitting on the ground. So, he consistently scores runs and his strike-rate isn’t great,” Sehwag told.

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“But as a leader you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50–60 runs. I may sound harsh, but if the captain changes, Babar doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team. His performances are not as per the demands of today’s T20 cricket,” Sehwag added.

On Sunday, Pakistan exited the T20 World Cup despite securing a 3-wicket victory over Paul Stirling’s Ireland in Florida. Babar Azam played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 32 off 34 balls, helping his team chase down the target of 107 with 7 balls to spare.

Following the match, Babar addressed the media, stating that he had not yet considered stepping down from the captaincy. He mentioned that any decision regarding his leadership role would be made after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

This victory over Ireland was a small consolation for Pakistan in an otherwise disappointing campaign, where they struggled to advance past the group stages. The team’s performance, particularly in key matches against co-hosts USA and rivals India, has sparked discussions about potential changes in the squad and leadership.