Former Pakistan pacer backs domestic batter to replace Babar or Rizwan in T20Is

Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir has questioned the decision to play both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the same T20 lineup, suggesting that the team would benefit from including only one of them.

Speaking on a local social media platform, Tanvir expressed concerns about the similar playing styles of the two top-order batters. He said that while both are talented, their slow starts can hurt the team in the fast-paced T20 format.

“Both Babar and Rizwan are quality players,” Tanvir said. 

“But their style of play doesn’t suit modern T20 cricket. When both open, the team often pays the price for a slow start,” he added. 

He pointed out that although the duo often increases their strike rate later in the innings, it’s usually too late to change the game’s outcome. Tanvir suggested replacing one of them with a more aggressive batter, such as Sahibzada Farhan or another player who can score quickly from the start.

Tanvir also noted that Pakistan's strong bowling used to hide the batting side’s weaknesses. However, with the bowlers not performing as consistently now, the team's overall struggles have become more visible.

“When the bowlers were doing well, the team could still defend low scores or win matches,” he said. 

“But now that the bowling is under pressure, the batting lineup is also failing,” he added. 

He advised both Babar and Rizwan to evolve and adjust to modern-day T20 demands. 

“They still have time to improve,” he said. 

“I'm not saying they need to hit a six every ball, but they must learn to adapt and play more attacking cricket,” he added. 

Tanvir specifically urged Babar to expand his range of shots and learn from players like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, who have adjusted their games to stay effective in T20s.

“Babar is a very skilled player, but the real question is—does he even want to change?,” he concluded.