Just days after breaking Virat Kohli’s T20I record, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is now facing a storm of criticism and even calls for his retirement from ODI cricket. His back-to-back failures in the series against South Africa have fans and critics asking one big question: what’s going on with Babar?
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam has gone 81 international innings without an ODI century, his last was in August 2023.
- He was dismissed for just 7 runs in the first ODI and 11 runs in the second against South Africa.
- Despite ODI struggles, he recently scored a match-winning 68 in a T20I, breaking Virat Kohli’s record for most 50-plus scores (40).
- Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is reportedly considering dropping Babar from the ODI squad due to poor form.
A Tale of Two Formats
Look, it’s a classic case of highs and lows. On November 2, 2025, Babar was on top of the world. He smashed a brilliant 68 off 47 balls in the final T20I against South Africa, not only winning the series for Pakistan but also setting a new world record. That knock marked his 40th 50-plus score in T20 Internationals, pushing him past the legendary Virat Kohli.
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But then the ODI series started. And things fell apart. Fast.
The ODI Collapse
In the first ODI on November 4, Babar managed only 7 runs. Two days later, in the second match, he was out for 11. Suddenly, the record-breaking hero looked completely out of sorts. His century drought in the 50-over format has now stretched to a staggering 81 international innings, with his last hundred coming way back in August 2023 against Nepal.
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His ODI average for 2025 has plummeted to around 28, a massive drop for a player of his caliber. The pressure is mounting from every direction.
Expert Analysis
Even fellow players are weighing in. Wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan compared Babar’s situation to Kohli’s, noting that Babar often had to carry Pakistan’s batting lineup alone. He suggested that unlike Kohli, who played alongside many legends, Babar didn’t always have that support, which might explain some of the pressure he’s under. It’s a tough spot to be in.
Social Media Storm
As you can imagine, the fan reaction has been intense. After his dismissal in the second ODI, calls for him to retire from the format exploded online. Some fans are demanding he step down voluntarily, while others warn he’ll be dropped if his form doesn’t improve immediately. The criticism is loud, and it’s not going away.
What Happens Next?
Here’s the thing. This isn’t just about fan noise. Reports claim that ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is seriously considering dropping Babar from the team. With Babar slipping to fifth in the ICC ODI rankings and teammate Mohammad Rizwan climbing, the dynamics within the team are shifting.
So, what’s the road ahead for Babar Azam? Does he focus on T20s where he’s still a king, or can he fight his way back to form in the 50-over game? The next match will be critical. Really.