For a player celebrated as one of the finest modern-day batsmen, Babar Azam’s ongoing century drought has become a talking point across the cricketing world. Once hailed as the most consistent run-getter for Pakistan across formats, Babar now finds himself in an unusual phase — 800 days without a century. The wait continues, and so does the scrutiny.
In the ODI series opener against Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s captain looked fluent initially, playing some elegant strokes reminiscent of his peak form. But as fate would have it, his innings ended at 29, once again short of the magical three-figure mark. The dismissal extended his century drought to 83 innings, a period spanning over two years.
The numbers are stark, especially for a player of Babar’s calibre. Yet, beyond statistics lies a story of resilience, pressure, and an ongoing battle between expectations and patience.
From Consistency to Concern: The Babar Azam Journey
Babar Azam’s rise to international stardom was swift and well-deserved. Known for his technical precision and calm demeanor, he was often compared to the great Virat Kohli — not just for his batting style but also for his hunger for runs. Between 2019 and 2022, Babar was at his peak, scoring centuries across formats and leading Pakistan to memorable victories.
However, since his last century, the runs haven’t stopped flowing, but the big scores have. He continues to get starts — scores in the 30s, 40s, and 50s — but somehow, the conversion has evaded him. It’s not that his form has dipped drastically; rather, the issue seems psychological, a fine line between confidence and over-caution.
Much like Kohli during his lean patch between 2019 and 2022, Babar is learning how difficult it can be to maintain form in the face of relentless expectations.
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The Kohli Parallel: A Shared Battle of Greats
Interestingly, Babar Azam now finds himself in a situation strikingly similar to Virat Kohli’s. Kohli, once the run machine of world cricket, endured a long wait of nearly 1,020 days between centuries — from 2019 to 2022. Critics began to question his place, his captaincy, and even his approach. Yet, when the hundred finally arrived, it was as if the weight of the world had lifted.
Babar’s story mirrors that struggle. Both men carried the burden of being their team’s leading run-scorer and role model. They were expected to deliver every time they walked out to bat. But cricket, in its unpredictable nature, often tests even the greatest players with phases of drought and doubt.
Now, as Babar equals Kohli’s 800-day mark, the comparison is unavoidable. But like Kohli, Babar too has the temperament and class to rise again. History has shown that champions don’t stay down for long.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Since his last international century, Babar Azam has played 83 innings across formats. During this period, he has scored several half-centuries and vital knocks that have helped Pakistan in crucial situations. Yet, the missing milestone has turned into a mental hurdle.
Despite the lack of a century, his average remains respectable, hovering around the mid-40s in ODIs and T20Is, proving that he’s far from being out of form. What’s missing is the conversion — the ability to turn good starts into match-defining innings.
Cricket analysts have pointed out that Babar often starts beautifully but tends to get out when trying to accelerate in the middle overs. Sometimes, it’s a moment of misjudgment; other times, sheer bad luck. The elegant drives and crisp flicks are still there — it’s just that the final push toward three figures hasn’t materialized.
Leadership and Pressure: The Double Burden
Being captain of Pakistan adds another layer of pressure. Every decision, every innings, every facial expression is dissected by millions. Babar’s leadership journey has been a mix of success and scrutiny. While he has led Pakistan admirably in many matches, the added responsibilities have inevitably affected his personal game.
It’s not uncommon. Great captains like Kohli, Smith, and Williamson have all experienced phases where the captaincy weighed on their batting performances. The challenge lies in finding that delicate balance between leading the team and maintaining individual brilliance.
Babar has shown maturity in handling criticism. His calmness on and off the field remains one of his biggest strengths. But the weight of expectations, especially in cricket-obsessed Pakistan, is immense. Fans adore him, yet they demand more — the kind of innings that turn matches and silence critics.
What Experts Say
Former cricketers and analysts believe that Babar’s century is just around the corner. They argue that he is batting well and only needs one solid innings to break the jinx.
Some suggest a more aggressive approach, while others feel he needs to enjoy his game without overthinking. The mental aspect of cricket often outweighs the technical one, and for Babar, this might be the case. Once he gets that elusive hundred, the confidence could open the floodgates again.
Lessons from the Drought
Every great player goes through a phase where runs are hard to come by. For Babar, this drought could be a blessing in disguise. It forces reflection, adaptation, and resilience — qualities that separate good players from great ones.
This phase will likely make him stronger, mentally sharper, and hungrier than ever before. When he finally reaches that century, it will not just be a personal milestone; it will symbolize endurance and character.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption
Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures provide Babar Azam with ample opportunities to end this drought. With the ODI series underway and Test matches to follow, he has the platform to return to form.
The key for Babar will be to stay patient and trust his process. His technique remains solid, his timing elegant, and his hunger visible. Cricket fans around the world, even those outside Pakistan, are eager to see him back among the hundreds — because the sport feels richer when its best players are at their best.
Conclusion: The Calm Before the Hundred
Eight hundred days without a century might sound alarming for a player of Babar Azam’s stature, but it is not the end of the story. In fact, it might just be the beginning of a stronger, more mature phase of his career.
As Babar continues to fight through the lean patch, comparisons with Kohli will persist, and so will the pressure. But great players thrive on challenges — and when Babar finally ends this drought, it will be a moment celebrated not just in Pakistan but across the cricketing world.
Patience is being tested, but one thing is certain — when that century comes, it will be worth every single day of the 800-day wait.