Introduction
In the world of cricket, rankings hold a special place in determining the prowess of batsmen. One such remarkable feat has been achieved by Babar Azam, who has regained his position as the No.1 ODI batter. Despite facing criticism after Pakistan’s recent World Cup performance, Azam’s exceptional skills and determination have propelled him to the top. Let’s dive into the journey of Babar Azam and explore his rise to the pinnacle of ODI batting.
Babar Azam’s Ascendancy
Babar Azam’s ascent to the top of the ODI batting rankings is a testament to his consistent performance and unwavering dedication. With 824 points, he has surpassed India’s Shubman Gill, who now stands at the second position with 810 points. Notably, the legendary Indian player Virat Kohli holds the third spot with 775 points.
Usman Khawaja and the Test Rankings
Usman Khawaja, the talented opening batsman, has also made significant strides in the Test batting rankings. Climbing three places to the fourth position, Khawaja now boasts a rating of 808 points. Surpassing Babar Azam, he is inching closer to the top-ranked player, Kane Williamson, who currently holds 864 rating points. Khawaja’s remarkable performance in recent matches has propelled him up the rankings ladder.
Remarkable Performances by David Warner and Mitchell Marsh
Azam’s teammates, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, have also showcased their prowess, resulting in an upward surge in their rankings. Warner has moved up nine spots to secure the 27th position, while Marsh has made an impressive leap of 12 places, sharing the 68th position. These advancements come on the back of their exceptional performances against Pakistan.
Babar Azam’s Performance in the Perth Test
Following a below-average performance in the first Test against Australia, where Pakistan suffered a 360-run loss, Babar Azam slipped from the fourth to the fifth position in the rankings. Azam accumulated a total of 801 rating points after his limited batting contributions in the Perth Test. Scoring 21 runs in the first innings and 14 runs in the second innings, Azam faced challenges in the match.
The Resignation from Captaincy
Soon after the ICC ODI Men’s World Cup 2023, Babar Azam made the difficult decision to resign from the captaincy. In his statement, he expressed that it was the right time to step down, but he would continue representing Pakistan as a player in all three formats. This decision marked a new chapter in Azam’s career, allowing him to focus solely on his batting skills.
Shan Masood: The New Test Captain
In response to Azam’s resignation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly appointed Shan Masood as the new Test captain. Masood will lead the team during the World Test Championship cycle of 2023-25. His first major assignment as captain will be leading Pakistan on their tour to Australia, which features three test matches. The PCB showed confidence in Masood’s leadership abilities, entrusting him with this responsibility.
Criticism and Azam’s Response
Despite leading Pakistan to the No. 1 position in the ODI rankings during his captaincy, Babar Azam faced criticism, particularly after the team’s performance in the recent World Cup. The PCB offered him the opportunity to continue as the test captain to alleviate the burden, but Azam declined. His decision reflects his determination to focus on his personal performance and contribute to the team’s success as a player.
