The former Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has made fun of Babar Azam ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.
Babar Azam’s strike rate under spotlight
Despite being Pakistan’s leading run-scorer with 4,566 runs in 141 T20I matches, Babar Azam’s strike rate of 128.29 has become a major talking point, and his recent T20 World Cup 2026 outings in the middle order have only intensified the debate and scrutiny.
Well ahead of the much-awaited Colombo showdown, Pujara has jokingly said that India would love Babar to bat longer and eat as many balls as possible, which will diminish Pakistan’s chance to post a big score on the possible slow and turning surface of the stadium.
Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah handed help by Irfan Pathan to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan in India vs Pakistan clash
Babar Azam has struggled recently in the tournament. The former Pakistan captain scored just 15 runs off 18 balls at a strike rate of 83.33 against the Netherlands. Even in the Big Bash League 2025-26, he managed 202 runs in 11 matches for the Sydney Sixers at a strike rate of only 103.06—the lowest for any player scoring 200+ in a single BBL season.
Cheteshwar Pujara takes a jibe at Babar Azam
His slow scoring has already become a headache for Pakistan. And Pujara mentioned that all eyes will be on Babar in the India clash, and if he fails to increase his strike rate, it could tilt the match heavily in favor of the defending champions in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash.
Cheteshwar Pujara said on Star Sports’ pre-match show ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash: “The Indian team wants Babar Azam to play a little more. If he plays a little more, then… There is a lot of discussion about strike rate, but… Look, there is a lot of focus on him.”
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) February 15, 2026
Sourav Ganguly excited for thrilling Jasprit Bumrah vs Sahibzada Farhan battle
Meanwhile, the former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said that he is excited to watch the face-off between Jasprit Bumrah and Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan in the group match.
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Ganguly said, “The battle between Sahibzada Farhan and Bumrah will be exciting to watch. But it is not just about one player. All the Pakistani batters will have to play well against Bumrah. If Pakistan sees off his four overs well, they will have a chance to win. If they don’t, they will struggle.”
India to continue No-Handshake policy against Pakistan
Notably, India will continue their “no handshakes” stand against Pakistan during their T20 World Cup 2026. As reported by PTI, both teams have decided to avoid the customary pre- and post-match greetings and keep their distance before and after the match.
India and Pakistan have met eight times in T20 World Cup history. India leads the head-to-head with seven wins, while Pakistan has won once. Despite India’s clear edge on paper, most matches have been tightly contested, including the 2007 World Cup Final.
The team that wins the India vs Pakistan match will almost secure a place in the Super 8 stage. The losing side will have to win their remaining two games to stay alive in the tournament.
