Babar Azam's recent performance has raised concerns, as he averaged under 40 across formats in 2023 and currently sits below 33 in 2024, without a century in 27 innings this year. Following disappointing outings in the ODI and T20 World Cups, Babar was dropped from Pakistan's Test team due to a lack of form. Although he showed promise upon returning against Australia, he failed to convert starts into significant scores.
Australian legend Ricky Ponting believes Pakistan must focus on revitalizing Babar’s form before reintroducing him to the Test side. He likened Babar's situation to that of Virat Kohli, suggesting that a brief break from the game might help Babar regain his confidence and performance levels.
Ponting stated, “The biggest challenge is how they get Babar back into their side. They’ve got to find a way to get him back into form.” He noted that every player experiences fluctuations in performance, and it’s crucial for Babar to address his current struggles. As Pakistan looks to rebuild, finding a way to reintegrate their star batter could be key to their future success on the international stage.