'He doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team': Sehwag goes full throttle in criticising Babar Azam

On Sunday, Pakistan's campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 concluded with a hard-fought consolation victory over Ireland. The team could not qualify for the Super Eight stage as lacerations sustained from the losses against the USA and India were too deep to fill. While each player is facing the flak for the team's poor show in USA, Pakistan captain Babar Azam is being cornered from every front. Former India opener Virender Sehwag has also expressed his views on Babar Azam and criticised his approach as the captain and an opener.

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Virender Sehwag says Babar Azam does not have the game for T20

Known for his straightforward nature, Virender Sehwag slammed Babar Azam for batting defensively at the top in T20s. According to the former India player, Azam does not possess the game where he could come in and strike boundaries from the outset, rather he is the bookish player, who would take his time and will target spinners after getting his eye in.

“Babar Azam is not a player who will hit sixes. He only hits sixes when he is set and spinners are operating. I have never seen him using his feet to fast bowlers or hitting sixes over the covers; it’s not his game as he plays safe cricket by hitting on the ground. So, he consistently scores runs and his strike rate isn’t great,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

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Sehwag went on to say that Babar Azam does not deserve a spot in the T20 side

Sehwag further hinted that Babar Azam lacks game awareness as he is oblivious to the fact that his batting approach does not help the team in any manner. He concluded by stating that, Azam is not the right fit for the T20 format.

“But as a leader, you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50–60 runs. I may sound harsh, but if the captain changes, Babar doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team. His performances are not as per the demands of today’s T20 cricket,” Sehwag added.