Babar Azam has made history by completing 4067 T20I runs, becoming the first Pakistan batter to achieve this feat. With this remarkable achievement, he has surpassed the Indian legend Virat Kohli, who has 4037 runs. Babar Azam’s consistency and skill have propelled him to the forefront of T20I cricket, solidifying his position as one of the world’s premier batsmen. His elegant style and level-headed approach have made him a key player for Pakistan in all formats of the game.
How does Babar Azam compare to other T20I batsmen.
Virat Kohli: The Indian captain has been a consistent performer in T20Is. His aggressive yet controlled approach has yielded 4037 runs at an average of 52.04 and a strike rate of 138.24. Kohli’s ability to chase down targets and anchor innings is commendable.
Aaron Finch: The Australian opener has been a force in T20Is. With 2345 runs at an average of 38.08 and a strike rate of 155.80, Finch is known for his explosive starts and powerful hitting.
Martin Guptill: The New Zealand opener has been a match-winner for his team. Guptill has amassed 2786 runs at an average of 32.71 and a strike rate of 134.84. His aggressive style and ability to clear the boundaries make him a dangerous opponent.
Rohit Sharma: Another Indian stalwart, Rohit Sharma has 2864 runs in T20Is at an average of 32.52 and a strike rate of 138.78. His ability to accelerate after settling in makes him a valuable asset.
Babar Azam: As mentioned earlier, Babar Azam now leads the pack with 4067 runs. His average of 48.69 and strike rate of 130.76 highlight his consistency and adaptability. Babar’s elegant strokeplay and ability to build innings set him apart.
Babar Azam’s batting technique is a blend of elegance, timing, and adaptability.
Stance and Balance: Babar maintains a balanced stance with his weight evenly distributed. His head remains still, allowing him to react quickly to deliveries.
Footwork: His footwork is precise. He moves forward or back as needed, depending on the length of the ball. Babar’s nimble footwork helps him find gaps and play both front-foot and back-foot shots effectively.
Straight Bat: Babar prefers playing with a straight bat. He drives through the line of the ball, minimizing risk. His textbook cover drives and straight drives showcase this technique.
Timing and Placement: Babar relies on timing rather than brute force. His ability to find gaps and place the ball in vacant areas is exceptional. His wristwork allows him to manipulate deliveries.
Adaptability: Whether it’s adjusting to different formats or varying conditions, Babar adapts well. He can switch gears seamlessly, from anchoring an innings to accelerating when needed.
Shot Selection: Babar’s shot selection is intelligent. He avoids unnecessary risks early in his innings and gradually builds momentum. His ability to pick the right shot for each ball is crucial.
Cover Drive: Babar’s cover drive is a thing of beauty. He leans into the shot, ensuring the ball travels along the ground. His timing and placement make it a potent weapon.
