Babar Azam Likely to Make T20I Comeback vs SA; Rohit Sharma's World Record on His Radar

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has not played a T20I since December 2024 but now it seems that the 30-year-old is set to make his comeback in the format vs South Africa. The series begins on October 28. In fact, there was talk of sending him for the Asia Cup 2025 after Pakistan’s two defeats to India but organisers made it clear that squad changes could only be made if a player was injured.

Now, according to reports, it seems Babar shall play in the T20I series when South Africa tour Pakistan. However, it is not known for sure if Babar will resume as an opener as and when he returns to the team. Whenever he does return to the team, a world record shall be there for the taking.

© X/ICC

A World Record Is Close for Babar Azam

The right-handed Babar just needs nine runs to go past Rohit Sharma’s T20I world record for most runs. Rohit leads the pack with 4231 while Babar has 4223. Rohit has retired from the format and no other active player is close to the record. So when and if Babar does break it, he will keep it for some time.

Under Babar’s captaincy in T20Is, Pakistan made it to the semis of the T20 World Cup in 2021 and in 2022 they made it to the final of the same tournament. He led by example when Pakistan won their only T20 World Cup match vs India. That was in the group stage in 2021 when they won by 10 wickets.

© X/ICC

Babar Azam’s T20I Future

The talented Babar will turn 31 this year and still has some time before he calls it a day. He will hope to be in the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup. In the last edition, his side did not even make it to the Super Eight. As a player, he shall look to make amends if he gets the chance.

Pakistan shall play three T20Is vs South Africa. This is Babar’s best chance to prove to the selectors that dropping him was the wrong choice. If he makes good of this opportunity, expect him to be a regular feature for some time.