Star batter Babar Azam is reportedly set to return as Pakistan's Test captain, with several reports claiming that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approved a leadership change that could see him replace Shan Masood in the red-ball format. The move comes after a disappointing run of results under Shan Masood, with Pakistan struggling for consistency in the World Test Championship cycle.
If the reports prove accurate, it will mark another chapter in Babar Azam's roller-coaster captaincy journey. The star batter first became Pakistan's all-format captain in 2020 before stepping down from the role in 2023. He was later reappointed as white-ball captain in 2024 before relinquishing those duties as well. Now, the PCB appears ready to hand him the Test leadership once again.
Babar led Pakistan in 20 Test matches between 2021 and 2023 and enjoyed a respectable record as captain. Under his leadership, Pakistan won 10 matches, lost six, and drew four, giving him a win percentage of 50%.
More importantly, Babar led from the front with the bat. In 35 innings as Test captain, he scored 1,727 runs at an outstanding average of 50.79. His highest score was the memorable 196 against Australia in Karachi, an innings that helped Pakistan save a Test match.
Babar Azam also registered four centuries and 11 half-centuries during his stint as skipper. His average as captain (50.79) was significantly higher than his average as a non-captain (38.78), highlighting how he thrived under additional responsibility.
His biggest victories as captain included series wins over South Africa, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan also reached the No.1 ranking in the ICC ODI team rankings during his broader leadership tenure, although Test success remained his primary achievement in the longest format.
Babar Azam's batting numbers as captain vs non-captain
One of the strongest arguments in favour of Babar's return is his batting record while leading Pakistan.
As captain:
Matches: 20
Runs: 1,727
Average: 50.79
Centuries: 4
Fifties: 11
As non-captain:
Matches: 42
Runs: 2,754
Average: 38.78
Centuries: 5
Fifties: 20
The numbers show that Babar Azam was statistically a better batter when he had the captaincy. He averaged more than 12 runs higher as skipper and produced some of the finest innings of his career during that period.
His standout performances as captain included scores of 196 against Australia, 161 against New Zealand, 136 against England and 119 against Sri Lanka. Those innings demonstrated his ability to absorb pressure and perform when Pakistan needed him most.
Babar Azam's overall Test record and achievements
Babar has established himself as one of Pakistan's premier Test batters since making his debut in 2016. In 62 Tests, he has scored 4,481 runs at an average of 42.67, including nine centuries and 31 half-centuries.
Among opposition teams, he has enjoyed particular success against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Against New Zealand, he has amassed 635 runs at an average of 57.72, while he has scored 648 runs at an average of 54 against Sri Lanka. He has also averaged 53.83 against England, underlining his ability to perform against top-quality attacks.
His highest Test score remains the 196 against Australia in Karachi, one of the greatest fourth-innings knocks played by a Pakistani batter. Babar Azam also owns more than 500 Test boundaries and remains one of the most accomplished batters of his generation.
With reports suggesting that the PCB is preparing to hand him the Test captaincy again, Babar could soon get another opportunity to lead Pakistan in the longest format. While his first stint had its share of ups and downs, the numbers show that he was both an effective leader and Pakistan's most dependable batter during that period.
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