Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has suggested that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan would be more effective batting in the middle order for the national T20I team. He believes their ability to build innings and provide stability aligns better with middle-order roles, rather than opening the batting.
Younis’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the duo’s positions in the batting lineup. While Babar and Rizwan have been successful as openers, forming a prolific partnership in T20 Internationals, some experts argue that their playing style may be better suited to the middle order, especially considering the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket.
Despite these suggestions, current team management has continued to utilize Babar and Rizwan at the top of the order. Captain Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that Babar will open the batting in the upcoming Champions Trophy, citing team strategy and conditions as factors in this decision.
The debate reflects broader considerations about optimizing player roles to enhance team performance in the dynamic landscape of T20 cricket.