Journey to the Top: Rise of a Masterful ODI Batsman

From around 2019 through 2022, Babar Azam’s ODI journey was a portrait of grace and dominance. With elegant strokeplay, a textbook cover drive, and remarkable consistency at No. 3 or 4, he became Pakistan’s go‑to batter. Babar’s inspired knocks in ICC tournaments—especially against strong teams—anchored Pakistan’s chase in World Cups and Asia Cups. His fastest‑ever ODI centuries and the rapid pace to 5000 ODI runs made him cricket’s emerging superstar. Paid off when Babar led Pakistan to No. 1 ODI team status by late 2022 and cemented his own undisputed No. 1 spot in ICC ODI rankings.

The Recent Form Dip and ODI Inactivity

In late 2023 and through 2024, Babar’s ODI appearances drastically reduced. He didn't play any ODI in early 2024, and his last century came in the Asia Cup vs Nepal before the 2023 World Cup. Former cricketer Basit Ali questioned the system, pointing out that Babar retained No. 1 despite nearly nine months of ODI inactivity—a stark contrast to players like Travis Head or Rachin Ravindra who scored multiple World Cup tons but stayed outside the top ten.

By March 2025, ICC rankings update placed Shubman Gill back at No. 1 with 796 rating points, while Babar slipped to No. 2 with 773 points, as Gill’s stellar performance in the England series earned high points.

Pakistan’s failures in the Champions Trophy 2025 and the preceding tri‑series, where Babar’s scores were underwhelming, further eroded his rating. In one tri‑series final he scored 29 off 34, drawing sharp cynicism from fans who questioned why a struggling Babar would remain on top of the rankings.

ICC Ranking System: Why Inactivity Hurts Points

The ICC ODI ranking formula places weight on both performance and recency. Players earn points via match performance, but those points gradually decay unless reinforced with fresh innings. Low activity translates to stagnant or decaying points, especially when newer performers accumulate strong numbers. Even if Babar's past achievements remained, lack of recent matches and average recent scores meant his rating relative to others fell—even without glaring poor innings.

Captaincy Pressure and Rising Expectations

As Pakistan’s ODI captain, Babar faces dual burdens—leading the team while carrying the batting load. Media outlets and fans have increasingly criticized him. Reddit debate illustrates disappointment:

"He literally has no impactful innings in ICC tournaments since his century… No amount of stat‑padding against second string teams in bilaterals will change that."
"I don't care about average… I just want him to perform in ICC tournaments man" 

With Pakistan underperforming, Babar bears accountability in leadership and runs. Critics claim he scores when the team is already winning, but fails in big matches. This pressure affects confidence and form, compounding ranking issues.

Statistical Comparison: Past vs Recent Numbers

Performance in Major ICC Tournaments

2019 and 2022 World Cups, Asia Cup, and Champions events saw Babar deliver critical centuries and fifties that defined Pakistan’s campaigns. Since then, he hasn’t produced a memorable century on big stages, his last being in Asia Cup vs Nepal before World Cup 2023 . Those past matches propelled him to No. 1; absence of similar scores in major tournaments allowed others to surpass.

Recent Bilateral Series & Champions Trophy

In the England home ODI series early 2025, Babar's inconsistency contrasted with Shubman Gill’s stellar average of 86 across three innings, including a century and 87,60 yields. Meanwhile, Babar’s own slow innings and failures in tri‑series and Champions Trophy matches undermined confidence and ranking points.

What Babar Needs to Regain No. 1

Upcoming Tours and ICC Tournament Opportunities

To reclaim the top spot, Babar must play regular ODIs and produce standout performances in Champions Trophy knockout matches and any bilateral series Pakistan take part in. High-scoring centuries, winning causes, and consistency in upcoming series against major teams—such as those in the late 2025 Champions Trophy and bilateral ODIs—would help rebuild rating points.

Goals for Pakistan Cricket and Babar’s Role

Babar will benefit if Pakistan’s other batters begin contributing, easing pressure. Reestablishing partnerships, especially stronger middle-order support, can help convert starts into match-winning totals, boosting team and individual ratings. A return to consistent leadership, perhaps with rotation to manage workload, would help Babar focus on batting.

FAQs

1. Why did Babar Azam drop in the ICC ODI ranking despite good career stats?

Because the ranking is based on recent matches—without recent high scoring ODI innings, even great past stats fade in value.

2. When did Babar Azam lose the No. 1 ODI spot?

ICC updated rankings in February 2025, placing Shubman Gill at No. 1 and Babar at No. 2, based on points: Gill 796 vs Babar’s 773.

3. How does ICC penalize inactivity in ODI rankings?

Points decay over time; players must play and score in fresh innings to keep ratings intact.

4. Has Babar underperformed in recent ICC events?

Yes, critics note he hasn’t produced impactful performances in Champions Trophy 2025 or recent tri‑series, drawing backlash.

5. What role does pressure play in Babar’s form?

As captain and prime batter, criticism and leadership burden affect confidence. Fans expect match-winning knocks every tournament, and failing in high-stakes matches adds stress.

6. What would it take for him to regain ODI No. 1 spot?

Play ODI series regularly, score centuries in key matches, and contribute to Pakistan’s wins in upcoming ICC events and bilateral tours.

overview

Babar Azam’s fall from the ODI No. 1 spot is not down to a single bad innings, but rather a prolonged period of inactivity, limited impactful performances, and waning contributions in high-stakes games. ICC’s ranking system penalizes inactivity—without fresh innings, even a standout career can’t hold onto top points.

To climb back, Babar needs regular ODI exposure, standout runs in ICC tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025 and bilateral tours, and leadership support from Pakistan’s batters and management. If he thrives in upcoming series, he can reclaim the mantle. That rebound would bolster Pakistan cricket’s resurgence, inspiring confidence in a new era led by Babar’s resurgence.