Babar Azam undroppable due to ‘politics’, says Michael Vaughan; backs Mike Hesson’s strategy: ‘Insurance policy’

Michael Vaughan feels that Babar Azam is undroppable due to politics and is being used by Mike Hesson as 'an insurance policy'.

Updated on: Feb 25, 2026, 09:33:26 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Babar Azam registered the lowest strike rate by a batter in T20 World Cup history in Pakistan's recent Super 8 fixture against England on Wednesday. Batting at No. 4, Babar could only register 25 off 24 balls, including two fours. His strike rate in the T20 World Cup dropped to 111.5, which is the lowest in the competition's history. Reacting to his continued inclusion in the Pakistan playing XI, former England player Michael Vaughan praised Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson for using Babar smartly in the tournament.

Pakistan's Babar Azam plays a shot. (AFP)

Vaughan feels that Babar is undroppable due to politics and is being used by Hesson as 'an insurance policy'.

Also Read: How Pakistan can still qualify for semi-finals of T20 World Cup 2026 after England setback: All scenarios explained

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan said, "I admire overseas coaches that go and coach in Pakistan because I can only imagine what’s going on."

"But Babar Azam himself, I think Mike Hesson has dealt with it brilliantly because he clearly has to play Babar Azam, and he’s using him as an insurance policy. You lose two wickets; he’s your insurance. He comes in at number four, and he can just play.

Vaughan also feels that Babar is well-suited to the pitches in Sri Lanka and should be performing well. "In Sri Lanka, I think he’s absolutely perfect for those wickets because Sri Lanka so far has been 150-180, and I think Babar’s in that range. I think he’ll get Pakistan to a 160-170 score," he said.

"But on a 200-day or a 210-day, Babar’s not going to get you there. I just don’t think he’s that kind of player anymore."

Analysing Babar's inclusion in the team, he said, "I do admire the way that Mike Hesson has probably played the politics well, and it probably doesn’t give you the best chance of winning the World Cup. But I do feel on a pitch like we’ll find in Pallekele, I would want a Babar Azam in my team. Absolutely, because I want someone solid who can knock the spinners around. If he strikes at 125-130, that’s absolutely fine. You’ll need a cameo or two from two or three of the players around you, but I would want that consistent player in the middle of the innings. I think they’ve dealt with it right."

"I personally would never want to go and be an overseas coach in Pakistan. I’ve spoken so much to Jason Gillespie when I went over there. So, it’s difficult. I just think Hesson and the team and the management – I think they’ve dealt with it perfectly. Absolutely perfect in what they’ve done," he added.

Babar's overall T20 World Cup strike rate is now lower than Mohammed Hafeez (111.8), Kumar Sangakkara (112.2) and Kane Williamson (112.5). In 23 T20 World Cup matches, he has managed 640 runs at an average of 33.68, packed with five half-centuries.

In the ongoing tournament, he has scored 91 runs in 6 matches at an average of 22.75.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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