Australia batter Josh Philippe has thrown his support behind Pakistan star Babar Azam, expressing confidence that the experienced campaigner will rediscover his best form in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Babar has endured a lean run in the shortest format, managing just two half-centuries in T20Is since the last World Cup in the USA and West Indies. The prolonged dip has also seen the former world No.1 slide down the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings, where he currently sits outside the top 30 — a concern with the global tournament now less than two months away.
Currently plying his trade in Australia with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, Babar’s start has been modest, registering single-figure scores in his first two appearances in magenta. However, Philippe, his teammate at the Sixers, believes the transition to Australian conditions simply takes time.
“He’s a world-class player,” Philippe said.
“Coming to Australia and dealing with the bounce can be challenging, but once he gets a couple of games under his belt and spends more time out there, he’ll be absolutely fine. His record speaks for itself, and I’ve got no doubt the runs are coming.”
While backing Babar’s return to form, Philippe is also focused on his own ambitions as he looks to impress Australian selectors ahead of the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old showed encouraging form during recent white-ball series against India and has carried that momentum into the Big Bash, top-scoring for the Sixers with a fluent 46 in their latest match against Adelaide.
Batting at No.3, Philippe is content to hold that position if it helps Babar settle at the top of the order.
“I’m happy to play whatever role the team needs,” Philippe said.
“I’m really looking forward to building a big partnership with Babar and learning from him out in the middle. He’s a great person and we’re loving having him around.”
With belief from teammates and time still on his side, Babar will be hoping his stint in the Big Bash proves the platform for a timely return to form ahead of cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
