Mike Hesson Reveals Real Reason Behind Babar Azam’s T20I Comeback
In a candid media briefing, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has finally shed light on the real reason behind Babar Azam’s comeback to the national T20I squad. Contrary to public speculation, Hesson revealed that the decision was based on strategic balance and player rotation, not form or favoritism. His explanation has sparked renewed debate within the cricket community, as fans eagerly anticipate how this change will reshape Pakistan’s batting order ahead of the upcoming T20 season.
A Tactical Decision, Not a Sentimental One
According to Mike Hesson on Babar Azam, the star batter’s return was prompted by Fakhar Zaman’s temporary unavailability rather than any reaction to Pakistan’s recent T20 setbacks. “I endorse Babar Azam’s selection, with Fakhar Zaman moving to first-class cricket for a short period,” said Hesson. “He wanted to focus on regaining rhythm in the ODI format, so this allowed us to create space for another top-order player — and that’s where Babar comes in.”
The Pakistan T20I squad 2025 is being built around flexibility and role clarity, and Hesson emphasized that every player is being given a position that maximizes their strengths. With Babar returning to the one-drop position instead of opening, the coaching staff hopes to strike the right balance between aggression and stability in the top order.
Why Babar Was Chosen to Return Now
While Babar Azam’s exclusion from earlier squads raised eyebrows, Hesson clarified that the timing of his comeback is tied to strategic reshuffling rather than any change in form. “We’ve been in constant communication with Babar,” the coach said during his Hesson interview with local media. “He remains one of the most consistent players in world cricket, and this window gave us the right opportunity to integrate him back into the T20 setup.”
Babar’s expected role at number three, Hesson explained, is a tactical shift designed to provide greater batting depth and ensure stability if early wickets fall. “He brings experience, game awareness, and calmness — qualities we’ll need as we approach major tournaments next year,” added Hesson.
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Rebuilding Pakistan’s Top Order
The Pakistan cricket news surrounding this comeback has been met with both excitement and analysis. Hesson’s strategy appears focused on building a new T20 core while still valuing senior players who offer composure in high-pressure moments. With Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan likely to continue as openers, Babar’s return at first drop will anchor the innings while allowing younger players to play freely.
Analysts believe this move could solve one of Pakistan’s biggest issues in recent years — the lack of consistent middle-order partnerships. “Babar’s presence at number three will bring stability between the openers and finishers,” noted one former selector. “It’s a balanced approach that could help Pakistan adapt better to different match situations.”
Addressing the Asia Cup Absence
One of the most discussed topics during the Hesson interview was Babar’s absence from the Asia Cup 2025, a decision that many critics linked to the team’s failure to perform under pressure. Hesson admitted that the management might have underestimated the impact of his absence on team composure but insisted that every decision was made with long-term development in mind.
“Sometimes, giving senior players a break helps them recharge mentally and physically,” said Hesson. “Now, with Babar’s return, we’re adding both experience and renewed motivation to the group.”
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The Leadership Question
Babar Azam’s comeback has also reignited discussions about Pakistan’s T20I captaincy. While Hesson made it clear that the leadership question was not part of the selection decision, he acknowledged that Babar’s influence in the dressing room remains significant. “He’s not just a player; he’s a leader by example,” said the coach. “Even when he wasn’t in the squad, his communication with younger players continued. That level of maturity is what makes him invaluable.”
This diplomatic response has sparked speculation over whether Babar could eventually regain the T20 captaincy, especially if the team performs well in upcoming series. For now, however, the management appears focused on performance and team cohesion rather than leadership debates.
Preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup
The Pakistan T20I squad 2025 is being structured with one major goal in mind — the T20 World Cup 2026. With less than a year to finalize the best combinations, Hesson’s plan centers around stability at the top, versatility in the middle, and pace-heavy finishing options.
The inclusion of Babar is seen as a crucial step toward building that structure. His experience in handling world-class bowling attacks and his ability to construct innings in pressure scenarios make him an indispensable asset as Pakistan looks to refine its tactics.
“We’re not just preparing for a bilateral series,” said Hesson. “We’re preparing for a major global event. Every selection, every role assignment is part of that long-term vision.”
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Fan and Media Reaction
The news of Babar Azam return has ignited a wave of optimism among fans, who believe his presence will restore confidence and order to Pakistan’s T20 lineup. Social media platforms were flooded with praise for Hesson’s transparency, with hashtags like #BabarIsBack and #HessonOnBabar trending within hours of the announcement.
Cricket experts, however, have urged caution, reminding supporters that player returns must be judged by results, not reputation. Still, many agree that this decision could be a turning point if it helps Pakistan achieve consistency in the format.
Conclusion
Mike Hesson reveals the real reason behind Babar Azam’s T20I comeback — a move grounded in tactical reasoning, player rotation, and long-term planning. The return of Pakistan’s most dependable batter signals a renewed focus on structure and balance within the national squad.
As Hesson continues to redefine Pakistan’s white-ball strategies, his transparent approach and analytical mindset could set a new tone for the team’s future. For Babar Azam, this comeback is more than a return — it’s an opportunity to reestablish his dominance and guide Pakistan’s T20 transformation under a refreshed and data-driven management philosophy.
