Babar Azam’s Batting Form – Decline, Pressure or Short-Term Issue?
Babar Azam Struggling with Form – Decline or Temporary Phase?
A fan-journalistic dive into Babar’s recent numbers, UAE record, and the big Asia Cup selection call.
In cricket, form is temporary and class is permanent. Few players spark this debate more than Babar Azam right now. He has been Pakistan’s most bankable batter across formats, but a visible dip since 2023 has reopened the conversation: is it a real decline or just a slump?
“The difference between a rough patch and a decline is how quickly a great player solves problems.”
Note: All stats below are provided by the editor and reflect performances through Aug 2025.
Recent Form: The Slide After a Peak
2022 was a peak across formats (Tests+ODIs+T20Is): 2,598 runs @ 54.12 with 8 hundreds. Since then:
- 2023: 1,399 runs @ 39.97 (3 hundreds)
- 2024: 1,168 runs @ 32.44 (0 hundreds)
- 2025 so far: 518 runs @ 30.47, SR 66.41
Format-level snapshots add context:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | SR | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests (career) | 59 | 4,235 | 42.77 | 54.37 | 9 / 29 |
| ODIs (career) | 134 | 6,291 | 54.23 | 87.63 | 19 / 37 |
| T20Is (career) | 128 | 4,223 | 39.83 | 129.22 | 3 / 36 |
TL;DR: the slump is tangible—especially the drought of hundreds and a dip in limited-overs acceleration compared with 2022.
UAE & Asia Cup: Story of Two Columns
Because the Asia Cup is in the UAE, conditions matter. Here’s the split that fans often miss:
Dubai + Abu Dhabi (2016–2022): 19 inns, 679 runs @ 45.26.
Asia Cup 2022 (in UAE): 6 inns, 68 runs @ 11.33 (HS 30).
So yes—his Asia Cup return in 2022 was poor. But the broader UAE sample shows comfort with the conditions, especially at Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Chase Card: Babar Under Pressure in Dubai
When the target is on the board, Babar’s value spikes—particularly at Dubai:
| Scenario | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai, chases (won) | 5 | 228 | 76.00 | 121.92 | 68* |
| UAE overall, chases (won) | 10 | 266 | 38.00 | 114.16 | 68* |
That 76.00 average in Dubai chases is elite. It’s why many still see him as an essential anchor when Pakistan bats second.
Should Babar Be in the Asia Cup Squad?
The Case For Inclusion
- UAE experience: over 700 runs in those venues; reads the surfaces well.
- Chasing pedigree at Dubai: high average and healthy strike rate when it matters.
- Stability at the top: Pakistan’s batting can wobble; his presence lowers collapse risk.
- Big-match temperament: has produced under pressure across formats.
The Case Against Inclusion
- Asia Cup 2022 hangover: 68 runs in 6 innings—critics won’t forget.
- Acceleration concerns: strike-rate softness since 2023 in LOIs.
- Conversion dip: centuries have dried up despite starts.
Verdict (My Take)
Pick him. Not blindly—role clarity is the key. Open or #3 with a clear brief: rotate early, target matchup overs, and keep the intent above par. Give him the Dubai chase lever where his numbers sing. If the role is muddled, both player and team suffer.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Fans (and Google)
- Why is Babar Azam struggling in 2025?
- Lower conversion from starts, heavy scrutiny, and a dip in limited-overs acceleration compared with his 2022 peak.
- What is Babar Azam’s record in the Asia Cup?
- In the 2022 Asia Cup (UAE), he scored 68 runs in 6 innings at 11.33—well below his usual standards.
- Is Babar Azam good in UAE conditions?
- Yes. Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi he averages 45+, and in Dubai chases he averages 76 with SR ~122.
- Should Babar Azam play in Asia Cup 2025?
- Yes. His UAE experience and elite chasing record at Dubai make him valuable despite the recent dip.
- Is this a permanent decline?
- Too early to declare. The slump is real, but class players adjust—Asia Cup 2025 could be a turning point.
Closing Thought
Form comes and goes. Problems get solved. Legends return. If Pakistan nails Babar’s role and tempo, the UAE might script a comeback chapter rather than an obituary.
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