Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has said Babar Azam’s slow scoring rate in limited-overs cricket can put added pressure on the other batter, advising him to mix natural strokeplay with calculated aggression.
03 January, 2026
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has raised concerns over the slow scoring rate of Pakistan star Babar Azam, suggesting that it can create added pressure on the batter at the other end in limited-overs cricket.
Speaking during commentary in Australia’s Big Bash League, Gilchrist said that Babar is not known for power hitting and should not be judged by that standard. He explained that Babar’s strength lies in his timing, class, and sound technique rather than consistently clearing the boundary.
Gilchrist noted that because of this batting style, it is unrealistic to expect Babar to attack every delivery. However, he stressed that in white-ball cricket, simply scoring at a run-a-ball and placing the bulk of the scoring responsibility on the other batter can be harmful for the team’s overall momentum.
According to Gilchrist, Babar needs to be more proactive in limited-overs formats by adapting to match situations. He advised the Pakistan batter to rotate the strike more effectively, find gaps in the field, and ease pressure through smart shot selection rather than relying solely on boundaries.
He added that a balanced approach could significantly improve Babar’s impact. By combining his natural batting ability with a controlled level of aggression, Gilchrist believes Babar can become even more effective for his team and reduce the burden on his batting partners during crucial phases of the innings.
The comments have sparked discussion among fans and analysts, especially as Babar continues to feature in high-profile leagues, where adaptability and strike rotation are increasingly seen as key to success in modern limited-overs cricket.
