PCB's decision to leave out Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad against New Zealand took many by surprise. With an eye on the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan wanted to add fresh blood to the side, considering that the tried and tested combination didn't work in the preceding ICC events, including the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy.The move, however, backfired as Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat.

Babar and Rizwan are the backbone of Pakistan's batting; however, time and again, questions are raised about whether they fit in the T20I team given their playing styles. At a time when teams look to fetch as many runs as possible in the powerplay, the presence of Babar and Rizwan at the top restricts Pakistan from making full use of the field restrictions.Former Pakistan T20 World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan feels that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have a lot to offer to the Pakistan T20I team; however, added that the veterans should bat in the middle order to help the team in the best way.Speaking on the show, Josh Jaga Dey, Younis said, "Babar and Rizwan should definitely be part of the T20I team, but not at the top.

Their ideal position is in the middle order, where they can build the innings and provide stability."The Babar-Rizwan pair boasts of staggering numbers. They hold the record for most runs in T20I partnerships, scoring 3300 runs in 73 matches, including 15 fifties and 10 century stands.Individually, Babar, with 4,223 runs in 128 matches at an average of 39.83 and a strike rate of 129.22, is the second-highest run scorer in the format. The Pakistan stalwart has 36 half-centuries and three hundreds to his name. Meanwhile, Rizwan has scored 3,414 runs in 106 T20Is, at an average of 47.41 and a strike rate of 125.37. His record includes 30 half-centuries and one hundred.