Babar Azam’s Role at T20 World Cup 2026: Hesson Finally Explains Everything
Pakistan’s batting setup at the T20 World Cup 2026 has raised many eyebrows — and now head coach Mike Hesson has finally put the speculation to rest. Babar Azam is not Pakistan’s go-to option in the PowerPlay, nor is No. 4 guaranteed for him. His role is more specific, more situational, and according to Hesson, Babar himself fully understands it.
This clarification came ahead of Pakistan’s Super Eights clash against New Zealand — a game where Babar was again pushed down the order behind Khawaja Nafay and even Shadab Khan.
Why Babar Is Not Batting at the Top
Hesson did not mince words. Babar’s PowerPlay strike rate in T20 World Cups has been below 100 — and that simply does not fit what Pakistan need from the top of the order in this format.
Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub have been the preferred openers, and Farhan has made that spot his own. His century against Namibia — his fifth T20 hundred since 2025 — showed exactly the kind of PowerPlay aggression Pakistan are demanding from their top order right now.
| Batter | Role | 2026 Form |
|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Opener | 5 T20 hundreds since 2025, century vs Namibia |
| Saim Ayub | Opener | Holding opening spot alongside Farhan |
| Babar Azam | Middle-order anchor | SR vs spin just over 100 in 2026 |
| Fakhar Zaman | Squad backup | Left-handed option vs left-arm spin |
The Numbers Behind the Decision
This is not a gut-feel call. There is hard data driving it. Babar has been dismissed five times in 2026 — and every single dismissal has come against spin, specifically against bowlers turning the ball away from him.
That is the exact reason Nafay was promoted ahead of Babar during the 12th over against Namibia. Left-arm spin was in operation, the ball was turning, and sending two right-handers out at the same time made no tactical sense. Babar recognized this himself before Hesson even had to make the call.
What Babar’s Actual Job Is
Hesson was clear that this is not a demotion — it is a role definition. Pakistan brought Babar back into the squad after the Asia Cup specifically for one purpose: stability through the middle overs.
What Pakistan need from Babar:
- Steadying the innings when wickets fall early
- Building partnerships through the middle
- Accelerating once he is set — as seen against the USA
- Reading match situations smartly, not just batting on ego
What Pakistan do NOT need from Babar:
- PowerPlay aggression at the top
- Strike rate-first batting in the 10th to 14th overs against spin
- Playing through situations where a left-hander is the smarter option
Pakistan’s Flexibility: The Fakhar Factor
One more card up Pakistan’s sleeve — Fakhar Zaman. He is in the squad and available as a left-handed option if conditions call for it, particularly when left-arm spin is heavily involved and the pitch is turning. Hesson confirmed this flexibility openly, which tells you Pakistan have thought this through properly.
| Scenario | Pakistan’s Move |
|---|---|
| Stable chase, middle-order push | Babar Azam comes in |
| Heavy left-arm spin, turning pitch | Fakhar Zaman considered |
| PowerPlay blitz needed | Farhan / Saim at the top |
| Late acceleration required | Other squad options used |
You can follow Pakistan’s full campaign and updated results on the 2026 T20 World Cup Schedule page.
What This Means for Pakistan’s Super Eights Campaign
Pakistan’s Super Eights fixture against New Zealand is a pivotal one. They cannot afford confusion around their batting lineup. Hesson’s comments suggest there is no confusion inside the camp — just a clear role structure that the outside world was not fully aware of.
Babar is not being phased out. He is being used where he adds most value. For a side that does not hit sixes as freely as England or West Indies, having a batter who can steady the ship and then accelerate matters — especially in knockout-stage cricket.
Check out the full T20 WC 2026 Groups and Super Eights standings to see where Pakistan stand heading into this crucial phase.
Pakistan’s Batting Order — Current Setup at T20 WC 2026
- Openers: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub
- Middle order anchor: Babar Azam (situational)
- Aggressive middle options: Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan
- Backup opener / left-hand option: Fakhar Zaman
- Lower order firepower: Available within the squad
Keep an eye on the Pakistan team page for the latest squad updates and player form heading into the Super Eights.
FAQs
Why is Babar Azam not opening for Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2026? His PowerPlay strike rate in T20 World Cups has been below 100, which does not suit the aggressive role Pakistan need from their openers. Farhan and Saim Ayub better fit that job.
What is Babar Azam’s role in Pakistan’s T20 WC 2026 squad? He is a middle-order anchor — someone who steadies the innings under pressure and can accelerate once set, as seen in the USA game.
Why did Nafay bat ahead of Babar against Namibia? Left-arm spin was in play and turning. Sending two right-handers together made no sense tactically. Nafay, better suited to that phase, was promoted instead.
Is Babar Azam being dropped from Pakistan’s XI? No. He remains in the XI but in a defined middle-order role based on match situation rather than batting at No. 4 automatically every game.
Who is Fakhar Zaman’s role in Pakistan’s T20 WC 2026 squad? He is a squad option — specifically a left-handed alternative if Pakistan face heavy left-arm spin on a turning pitch and need a different batting profile.
Has Babar accepted his new batting role? Yes. Hesson confirmed Babar was the first to recognize when it was not smart to come in, and he fully understands the skills he brings to the team in this specific role.
