Pakistan Captain Aims to Focus on New Role After Another Low Score in Tri-Series Win
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has made a humble appeal to fans and the media, asking them to stop referring to him as “King”. Speaking after Pakistan’s record-breaking six-wicket win over South Africa, Babar emphasized that he wants to focus on his new role in the team and improve his batting performances.
“Pehli baat toh yeh hai, ‘king king’ bolna zara kam karein. Main koi king nahin hoon. Ab mere liye naye role hain.”
(“First of all, please stop calling me ‘King.’ I’m not a king. I have a new role now.”)
His statement comes at a time when his form has been under scrutiny, with yet another underwhelming knock in Karachi.
Babar Azam’s Batting Struggles Continue
Despite Pakistan’s dominant run chase, Babar failed to capitalize, getting dismissed lbw for 23 by South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder. This has added to his recent struggles, as he has been unable to convert starts into big scores.
Babar Azam’s Recent ODI Scores:
❌ 14 vs Australia (Sydney)
❌ 38 vs South Africa (Karachi)
❌ 23 vs South Africa (Karachi – Tri-Series)
While Pakistan secured a historic victory, Babar’s inconsistent form remains a concern ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
"Please stop calling me King Shing. I am not King, I am not there yet." – Babar Azam #BabarAzam #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/a0MZAjwO74
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) February 12, 2025
Could the pressure of expectations be affecting his performance?
Pakistan’s Record-Breaking Run Chase – Rizwan & Salman Shine
While Babar’s contribution was minimal, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha stole the show with match-winning centuries.
📌 Pakistan’s Highest-Ever ODI Run Chase (353/4 in 49 overs)
✅ Salman Ali Agha – 134 off 103 balls (Maiden ODI century, fearless striking)
✅ Mohammad Rizwan – 122 off 128 balls* (Composed and anchored the chase)
The duo shared a record-breaking 260-run fourth-wicket stand, ensuring Pakistan chased down 353 with an over to spare.
🚨 This win surpassed Pakistan’s previous highest successful chase of 349 against Australia in 2022.
What Does Babar Azam’s “New Role” Mean?
Babar’s comments about a new role have raised curiosity. Could this mean:
- A leadership adjustment within the team?
- A shift in batting position?
- A change in playing style to adapt to Pakistan’s aggressive approach?
With Mohammad Rizwan emerging as Pakistan’s clutch performer and Salman Ali Agha proving his worth, Babar may be rethinking his role in the team structure.
💭 Could Pakistan be moving towards a team dynamic that doesn’t rely solely on Babar anymore?
Pakistan Gears Up for Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s thrilling win against South Africa serves as a huge confidence boost ahead of the Champions Trophy, which they will be co-hosting with the UAE.
📆 Next Match – Tri-Series Final 🆚 New Zealand | 🏟️ Karachi | 📅 February 16
🔎 Key Focus Areas for Pakistan:
✔️ Babar’s Form – Can he regain consistency before the Champions Trophy?
✔️ Middle-Order Strength – Rizwan & Agha’s performances offer hope.
✔️ Bowling Adjustments – Can the bowlers prevent conceding 350+ totals?
With Pakistan set to face India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in the group stage, Babar Azam will be under pressure to step up.
Is Babar Azam No Longer Pakistan’s Main Man?
Babar’s plea to stop calling him “King” suggests he wants to lower the expectations placed on him. However, with Rizwan taking charge in key run chases, is Pakistan’s reliance on Babar Azam fading?
🚨 What do you think? Is Babar’s role in Pakistan’s batting lineup changing? Will he bounce back in time for the Champions Trophy? Drop your thoughts below!
