Pakistan’s head coach for white-ball cricket, Mike Hesson, has disclosed that Babar Azam, a key batsman, will be playing as the number three in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, marking his comeback to the shortest format after nearly a year. Hesson shared insights with the media during Pakistan’s training session at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, explaining the recent team selection decisions and the reinstatement of Babar Azam. Fakhar Zaman, the opener, has been given time off from the T20I squad to focus on refining his skills in domestic cricket, paving the way for the former captain’s return.
“I fully support his inclusion, with Fakhar Zaman transitioning to first-class cricket. We’ve had discussions with him, and he aims to make a comeback in the One-Day format, so we have allowed him a break from T20Is to work on his technique, and I have been very encouraging of that,” Hesson stated as reported by GeoSuper.
The coach emphasized that Babar’s skill and current form make him a suitable candidate for the crucial number three position, different from his previous role as an opener. “This opens up an opportunity for another top-order player, and it’s a fantastic chance to reintegrate Babar into the squad. He is likely to bat at number three, a role in which I am highly confident he will excel,” Hesson added.
Babar’s most recent T20I appearance was against South Africa in Centurion in December 2025. His return has generated excitement among fans eager to witness him leading Pakistan’s batting lineup once more. The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa commences on Tuesday, October 28, in Rawalpindi. Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, aims to recover strongly after a disappointing Asia Cup campaign, where they faced defeat against India.
As the T20 World Cup is scheduled for 2026, this series presents a crucial opportunity for the Men in Green to fine-tune their strategies and regain momentum. Hesson and his team anticipate that Babar’s return and his new role at number three will provide the stability and consistency required by Pakistan at the top of the batting order.