Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has addressed the growing discussion around Babar Azam’s new role in the batting order during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The team management’s decision to push the star batter down to number four has sparked debate among fans and former cricketers but Hesson insists the move is purely tactical and based on team balance rather than individual stature.
Traditionally opening or batting at number three Babar has been asked to adapt to a middle order role as Pakistan reshapes its approach for modern T20 demands. Hesson acknowledged that while Babar remains one of the team’s most technically sound batters his strike rate in World Cup powerplays has historically stayed below 100 which influenced the decision. According to the coach Pakistan wanted to maximise early momentum by using more explosive options at the top and preserve stability for the middle overs.
The strategy was visible in Pakistan’s recent match against Namibia where Babar did not bat at all as hitters like Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan were promoted ahead of him. Hesson clarified that this was a situational call rather than a reflection of Babar’s form or value. He described Babar as a crucial insurance policy who can steady the innings when wickets fall early and then accelerate once settled.
Referring to earlier matches including the game against the USA Hesson highlighted that Babar has shown the ability to lift his scoring rate once he spends time at the crease. He added that following the Asia Cup the team deliberately reintroduced Babar into the setup with a defined responsibility to anchor the middle overs if required.
Hesson further explained that in certain phases particularly around the 12th over or during the death overs Pakistan prefers players with stronger power hitting profiles. In those moments Babar may not be the ideal option and the captain and coaching staff are comfortable holding him back. The coach stressed that Babar himself understands these dynamics and supports the role-based approach the team has adopted for the tournament.
