Did you see Pakistan’s T20I series win against South Africa? It was thrilling, wasn’t it? Babar Azam smashed 68 runs off just 47 balls in the 3rd T20I on November 1-2, 2025, leading Pakistan to a 2-1 series victory. But here’s the kicker: just days later, in the subsequent ODI series from November 4-8, he managed a mere 45 runs across three matches. What’s going on?
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam scored a crucial 68 in the 3rd T20I against South Africa, ending an 18-month T20I half-century drought and securing a series win.
- He then struggled in the ODI series, accumulating only 45 runs at an average of 15 across three matches.
- Pakistan coach Mike Hesson publicly supported Babar, stating he’s in “good form” and big scores are “imminent.”
- Social media users have suggested Babar’s inconsistencies are “purely mental” and he appears “mentally out of it.”
- Virat Kohli overcame a career “rough patch” from 2020-2022 through mental resilience and fitness, a potential blueprint for Babar.
- Modern cricket emphasizes mental fitness, with India using sports psychologists, visualization, and meditation.
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The SA Series: A Tale of Two Forms
Look, it’s a head-scratcher. One minute, Babar is a hero, confidently taking on the South African bowlers, celebrating his first T20I half-century in 18 months. He looked sharp. He looked in control. That 68 runs truly anchored Pakistan’s chase.
But then, just a few days later, the script completely flipped. In the 50-over format, the runs just didn’t come. You’d expect a player of his caliber to carry that T20I momentum, right? Yet, 45 runs from three games is a significant dip, prompting serious questions from fans and pundits alike.
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“Purely Mental”: What Experts and Fans Are Saying
Expert Analysis
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson isn’t worried, though. He recently came out swinging in support of his captain, stating, “He’s in good form, it’s just a matter of time before he gets significant scores for us.” Hesson advised Babar to focus on his rhythm and decision-making. That’s a strong vote of confidence from the top, isn’t it?
But honestly, the modern game isn’t just about technique. Teams, especially in India, are seriously investing in mental fitness. They’re bringing in sports psychologists, using visualization, meditation, and mindfulness techniques. This isn’t just fluffy stuff; it’s about managing pressure and boosting confidence. Remember when Indian women’s cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues spoke about her anxiety during the World Cup on October 31, 2025? She highlighted how family support and therapy made a huge difference. Even Virat Kohli praised the Indian women’s team for their “resilience, belief and passion” after their World Cup semi-final win on the same day.
Social Media Storm
Meanwhile, on platforms like Reddit, fans aren’t holding back. There’s a palpable discussion, with many suggesting that Babar’s current inconsistencies are “purely mental.” One user even commented, he appears “mentally out of it.” It’s a tough crowd, but their observations often echo what we see on the field. You can’t ignore the sentiment when it’s so widespread.
The Kohli Blueprint: Overcoming the Mental Wall
So, where does Babar turn? Perhaps he needs to look at Virat Kohli’s remarkable journey. From 2020 to 2022, Kohli faced his own “rough patch” across all formats. It wasn’t just about the bat; it was mental fatigue, the relentless pressure of being at the top. But he didn’t just bounce back; he roared back.
Kohli’s ability to navigate that challenging period is a masterclass in mental resilience and dedication to fitness. He maintains composure under immense pressure, and that’s where mental strength truly shines. Could Babar adopt some of Kohli’s strategies? It wouldn’t be the first time a player has learned from a legend’s comeback.
What’s Next for Babar?
Babar Azam is a world-class talent, we all know that. His T20I heroics against South Africa showed us glimpses of his best. But the subsequent ODI slump? It raises questions about the unseen pressures of elite cricket.
Do you think Babar needs to focus more on his mental game? What steps do you believe he should take to get back to his consistent best? Share your thoughts!