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Tendulkar Inspires Babar Azam; Star Batter Likely To Open In Champions Trophy

Anurag Dasgupta

How Tendulkar inspired Babar Azam [Source: @SalmanAsif2007/X.Com] How Tendulkar inspired Babar Azam [Source: @SalmanAsif2007/X.Com]

Pakistan announced their Champions Trophy squad a couple of days ago and while all the designated areas were filled in, there was still a vanacy left for the openers' slot. With Saim Ayub ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, Pakistan recalled forgotten hero, Fakhar Zaman back in the side.

However, he is the only designated opener in the squad and now as per a report by DAWN news, former Pakistan batter, Babar Azam is all set to open in the upcoming tri-nation tournament, featuring South Africa and New Zealand, alongside the hosts.

Pakistan team management were in hope that Saim Ayub gets fit for the ICC event, however, with that not possible, the selectors turned to Babar for the opening position, a role which he plays well in the T20Is. Selectors want Babar to take inspiration from India's Sachin Tendulkar and how the great batter became a better player after changing his position.

"The selectors told Babar they felt he could also emulate what Tendulkar had done as an opener as he had already opened a lot in T20 cricket. Babar after giving it due thought agreed to the challenge, a PCB source told PTI. 

The Pakistan team will start the tri nation tournament on February 8 against New Zealand and if all goes well in the tournament, and Babar performs well as an opener, he could be made the permanent opener for the mega event.

Why Babar shouldn't open?

For almost 9 years, Babar Azam has been a mainstay in the Pakistan batting lineup and most of his runs have come as a middle-order batter. He has excelled in that role and has scored truckloads of runs.

He has only opened twice in ODIs and has scored just 26 runs, with an average of 13. However, as a number 3 batter, the former skipper boasts impeccable record with 5416 runs, including 19 centuries to his name.

Hence, why to change something if it has worked for almost a decade. The opening slot demands a different challenge and it could hamper Babar's game.