Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has clarified the reasoning behind Babar Azam’s shift in the batting order during the T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking after a rain-hit practice session in Colombo ahead of the Super Eight clash against New Zealand, Hesson emphasized that team strategy drives the decision, not personal form alone.
He explained that Babar’s strike rate in the powerplay phase of the World Cup has been below 100, which does not meet the team’s requirements for that period. “It’s about what the team requires. Babar is well aware of this,” Hesson said, highlighting that the adjustment is tactical.
Hesson also addressed Pakistan’s win over Namibia, where Babar did not bat at No. 4. He said the move was based on match conditions and opposition bowling. Babar recognized the threat posed by a left-arm spinner, and promoting Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan instead allowed the team to respond effectively. “Once the left-arm spinner finished his spell, Nafay came in to take him on, and that’s exactly what we needed at that time,” Hesson noted.
The coach’s comments underline that Babar’s role is being adjusted dynamically to optimize team performance rather than signal a permanent demotion.