Babar Azam entered 2025 universally acclaimed as one of the premier batters in the world across formats. His cover drives and ability to pace chases earned comparisons with greats like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. However, a lean patch in the middle of the year raised questions about his adaptability and mental resilience. During Pakistan’s tours of England and South Africa, Babar averaged just 26 in eight Test innings and failed to convert promising starts into substantial scores. Analysts pointed to technical issues: a tendency to play away from his body in seaming conditions and lapses in concentration after reaching 30. Critics, particularly on social media, were quick to declare that bowlers had “found him out”.

The slump prompted intense scrutiny back home. Television shows dissected each dismissal, and former players offered unsolicited advice. Some called for him to be relieved of captaincy to ease the burden, while others argued that his class justified patience. The Pakistan Cricket Board publicly backed its star, emphasising his overall record and the transient nature of form. Babar himself responded with characteristic humility, admitting his errors and committing to improvement. He enlisted the help of former greats Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam‑ul‑Haq, working on tightening his defence and adjusting his back‑and‑across trigger movement to better cover his off‑stump. He also engaged a sports psychologist to strengthen his mental conditioning.

The results were not immediate, but signs of recovery emerged. In the subsequent home series against New Zealand on spinning tracks, Babar reeled off back‑to‑back fifties. More importantly, he spent significant time at the crease, blunting spinners and reclaiming control of his off‑stump. In the third Test in Rawalpindi, he produced a patient 143, notable not for its stroke‑play but for its grit. He left balls outside off stump diligently, rotated strike with soft hands and attacked only when bowlers drifted into his pads. The innings coincided with Pakistan’s series‑clinching win and silenced some of his critics.

Beyond technique, Babar’s conundrum underscored the burdens of leadership. As white‑ball captain, he must manage bowlers, juggle batting orders and face constant media scrutiny. Balancing these demands with personal performance is challenging. Observers noted that he seemed freer when batting under stand‑in captain Shan Masood. This observation reignited debate about split captaincy; some argued that Pakistan could benefit from separate leaders for different formats, allowing Babar to focus on his batting. The board has not committed to any changes, but it may revisit the idea after the World Test Championship cycle.

For fans, the episode is a reminder that even the most gifted players experience slumps. The measure of a great batter is not only the peaks but how they respond to troughs. Babar’s willingness to adapt and seek help bodes well for his future. At 31, he is still entering his prime. If he successfully navigates this challenging period, he could emerge more complete, with a game equipped to handle varied conditions. Pakistan’s hopes for success in the next Champions Trophy and beyond hinge on that evolution.