In form of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 picks up speed, PakistanTheir campaign has already sparked debate over the form of their biggest batting star. After a poor start to the tournament, Babar Azam has found itself under a cloud of questions, but one of cricket’s sharpest minds believes the solution may be simpler than it seems. Former captain of Australia ricky ponting Babar has offered a sober, tactical assessment of what Pakistan can do to help him regain his rhythm at the top level.
Babar Azam’s shaky start raises questions
Pakistan started their T20 World Cup campaign with a close three-wicket win NetherlandsBut the result did little to allay concerns over Babar’s touch. The right-handed batsman managed just 15 runs from 18 balls, an innings that lacked the flow and timing usually associated with his batting. While Pakistan crossed the line, all attention immediately focused on whether their premier batsman was fully adjusting to the demands of the shortest format.
The questions seemed even sharper because just a few days ago, Babar had given encouraging signs by scoring an unbeaten half-century. Australia In the final T20I of the three-match series. The difference between promise and struggle has defined their recent performances and Ponting believes the issue is more about rhythm than ability.
Ricky Ponting explains how Babar can get his form back
Speaking as an analyst during the tournament, Ponting suggested that Babar had lost a bit of his trademark timing at the crease. According to the Australian great, it is not uncommon for top-order batsmen to rely more on placement and timing rather than raw power.
Ponting feels that instead of forcing shots or making changes to his natural game, Pakistan should help Babar by adjusting his role in the batting order. His main suggestion: Move Babar back to No. 3, a position where he has historically looked most comfortable.
“I would also think about batting him at No. 3,” Ponting explained this by saying that early performance could work in Babar’s favour.
Ponting’s logic lies in T20 strategy. Batting first would give Babar time against the new ball with fielding restrictions. With only two fielders allowed outside the circle during a powerplay, it becomes easier to find gaps, reducing the pressure to clear the ropes.
“I think the sooner he gets in, if he can get some time inside the powerplay with the field up, I think that will help him because if he has lost a little bit of power, you need everything on your side. So just keeping two fielders out will help him. The guys who are batting after him have a lot of power anyway. They can take advantage of the middle overs with the spinners and when the fielders are out.” Ponting said Pakistan’s middle-order had enough power-hitters to take advantage in the later innings. In his view, protecting Babar from the rigors of the middle overs when he is looking for flow could be counterproductive.
Ponting told why T20 World Cup needs players like Babar
Perhaps the strongest part of Ponting’s assessment was his belief in experience. The former Australia captain stressed that a tournament like the T20 World Cup is often decided by experienced players emerging at the right time. He explained that if teams want to go deep, they need their senior stars. For Pakistan, this means finding the best version of Babar as soon as possible.
“I defended him at the beginning of the tournament… a big-name player in big events… experience, you need (those players) in your side if you want to win. Pakistan needs the best version of Babar Azam to progress in this tournament,” The Tasmanian legend explained.
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