Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has lent weight to Pakistan coach Mike Hassen’s pointed remarks on Babar Azam’s T20 strike rate, calling it a symptom of the game’s rapid transformation. In candid ESPNcricinfo remarks, du Plessis explained why the Pakistani talisman appears out of sync.
Hassen’s decision to demote Babar from opener to number four in the T20 World Cup stemmed from strike rate concerns in powerplay overs. Babar’s output? A meager 66 runs at 22 average, drawing flak for low scoring and spin struggles.
‘Babar’s long been world-class,’ du Plessis acknowledged. ‘T20’s evolution towards hyper-aggression means his 120 strike rate lags. Powerplays now require 160-190, pushing 200.’
Balancing critique with praise, du Plessis noted Babar’s strengths: ‘He deserves his place, shines on spinning tracks, rotates beautifully.’ Still, recent spinner woes challenge that view.
This saga reflects T20’s unforgiving pace. As Pakistan battles on, Babar’s response could define legacies. Du Plessis’s endorsement of Hassen signals a consensus: adaptation is non-negotiable for sustained greatness.