Babar Azam’s Surprising World T20 XI: Star Exclusions and Bold Decisions
Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s leading cricket superstars, has always been at the center of attention for his on-field performances and off-field decisions. His recent selection of a World T20 XI has sparked fresh debate among cricket experts and fans worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at Babar Azam’s choices, why they stand out, and what reactions they have received.
Babar Azam’s World T20 XI: The Big Reveal
In a move that surprised many, Babar Azam’s World T20 XI did not include Indian legends Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Instead, he opted for Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav as his preferred Indian players. Babar also included top names from England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan, making sure his lineup was both diverse and balanced. For an in-depth look at his selections, check out this article on NDTV Sports.
Babar Azam’s World T20 XI:
- Rohit Sharma (India)
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
- Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
- Suryakumar Yadav (India)
- Jos Buttler (England)
- David Miller (South Africa)
- Marco Jansen (South Africa)
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- Pat Cummins (Australia)
- Mitchell Starc (Australia)
- Mark Wood (England)
The Exclusion of Kohli and Bumrah: Shocking the Cricket World
The biggest headlines came from Babar Azam’s omission of Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, both widely regarded as modern cricket greats. Kohli, known for his aggressive batting and immense consistency, and Bumrah, renowned for his lethal bowling in crucial matches, have fans in every corner of the world. Their exclusion led to widespread discussions on social platforms and cricket shows. Crictoday’s coverage dives into the details of Babar’s selection and his rationale behind these unexpected exclusions.
Why Did Babar Azam Choose Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav?
Babar Azam praised both Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav for their impressive records in the T20 format. Rohit, after leading India to a T20 World Cup victory and scoring consistently for over a decade, was an automatic inclusion. Suryakumar Yadav, with his aggressive style and ability to play inventive shots, has risen quickly through the ranks. Babar’s acknowledgment of current form and team balance over reputation demonstrates his analytical approach. You can read more about his surprising choices on News18.
Reaction from the Cricket Community
Fans and experts were quick to react. Some praised Babar Azam for his honesty and focus on current performance, while others questioned leaving out proven match-winners. Social media saw spirited debates, especially around the omission of Kohli and Bumrah. Even England’s Sam Billings humorously trolled Babar online over contrasting records in the Pakistan Super League. The debate highlights how subjective selecting a World XI can be, especially with so many cricketing superstars in contention.
What Babar Azam’s Choices Mean for T20 Cricket
Babar Azam’s World XI reflects the evolving nature of T20 cricket. Rather than picking players based solely on their names or past glory, Babar focused on roles, recent form, and the ability to change games in high-pressure situations. His selections show respect for players excelling in modern T20s and demonstrate the value of strategic thinking.
Conclusion: A Captain Unafraid to Make Bold Calls
Babar Azam has never shied away from making bold decisions—on or off the field. With his World T20 XI, he proved once again that he values performance and adaptability over mere star power. Whether or not you agree with his choices, there’s no denying the impact he’s having on the cricketing conversation. For more updates about Babar Azam’s leadership and cricket news, stay tuned to major sports platforms and join the debate.