Will Pakistan drop Babar Azam for India match in the Champions Trophy? Signs are evident

Pakistan could drop Babar Azam for the high-octane clash against India in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Babar faced significant flak for his 64-run knock off 90 deliveries when the team was slated to chase 321 in the tournament opener against New Zealand. Critics lashed out at his approach with even batter Salman Ali Agha expressing disappointment at the team’s lack of intent in the powerplay overs.

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“We were hampered by Fakhar’s absence at the start of the innings. In the last five or six years, no one utilises the powerplay better than him,” Salman said. “We didn’t even have 30 runs [they were 22 for 2] in the powerplay. We knew we’d have to attack from ball one and take risks. So I took those risks, but I still believe I should have taken the innings deeper,” Salman added after the game.

He added, “It was night and day between this powerplay and that one [against South Africa in the triangular series]. We scored 91 in that powerplay. When you’re chasing 320, the powerplay is instrumental to it. But Fakhar Zaman, who uses that powerplay very well, couldn’t bat then because of his injury.”

On that note, Babar also missed the training session in Dubai on the eve of the match. Interim head coach Aaqib Javed did not give any clear reasons behind that, spiking speculation that Pakistan could bench their star batter to make a statement and inspire their campaign that needs an urgent revival after a defeat in the opening group stage encounter.

Babar has played 127 ODIs for Pakistan, aggregating 6083 runs at an average and strike rate of 55.81 and 87.92 respectively. The batter has struck 35 half-centuries and 19 tons in the format, but has copped a lot of blame for his inability to keep up with the pace of the format off late.