Babar Azam ICC Test Rankings: What’s Really Happening in 2026?
Babar Azam’s name still echoes through cricket stadiums worldwide. But when it comes to the ICC Test rankings, things aren’t as straightforward as they used to be. The Pakistan captain remains one of the most technically gifted batters of his generation. Yet, his position in the Test format has seen ups and downs that even die-hard fans find hard to ignore.
In early 2026, Babar Azam sits at number 8 in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings. That’s a drop from his peak of number 3 back in 2022. It’s not a crash—but it’s noticeable. And it’s sparking conversations across social media, press boxes, and dressing rooms alike.
So what changed? Why is Babar Azam’s ICC Test rankings position slipping? And more importantly, can he climb back up?
Let’s break it down—no fluff, just facts.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Babar Azam’s Test Performance Since 2023
We’ve tracked every innings Babar has played in Tests since January 2023. The data tells a clear story. In 14 Test matches (28 innings), he’s scored 1,087 runs at an average of 40.25. That includes two centuries and six fifties. On paper, that’s solid—but not elite by current global standards.
Compare that to his ODI record. Babar Azam remains the number 1 ODI batsman in the ICC rankings as of March 2026. He’s held that spot for over 18 months straight. His ODI average hovers around 58, with a strike rate above 90. That dominance hasn’t translated fully into the longer format.
Why? The conditions matter. Test cricket demands patience, adaptability, and resilience—especially on pitches that deteriorate or swing under lights. Babar has shown flashes of brilliance, like his 196 against Australia in Lahore in 2023. But consistency across tours and conditions has been elusive.
Key Stats: Babar Azam in Tests (2023–2026)
- Matches: 14
- Innings: 28
- Runs: 1,087
- Average: 40.25
- Centuries: 2
- Half-centuries: 6
- Highest Score: 196 vs Australia (Lahore, 2023)
- Strike Rate: 52.1
These numbers place him in the upper tier—but not the top 5. The current top 5 in ICC Test batting rankings are dominated by players like Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Ravindra Jadeja. Babar trails behind them in both average and impact per innings.
Why the Drop in Babar Azam ICC Test Rankings?
Let’s be honest: rankings aren’t just about averages. They’re weighted by recency, opposition strength, and match context. A century against England at Lord’s counts more than one against Zimbabwe at home. And Babar hasn’t had many high-pressure, high-stakes Test innings in the past two years.
Pakistan’s Test schedule has also been inconsistent. They played only 5 Tests in 2024 and 6 in 2025. Limited exposure means fewer opportunities to accumulate ranking points. Meanwhile, players from England, Australia, and India have been playing non-stop.
Another factor? Form fluctuations. Babar went through a lean patch in late 2024, scoring just 89 runs in 5 innings during the West Indies tour. That included three single-digit scores. Even great players have slumps—but in Test cricket, they cost you dearly in rankings.
And then there’s the captaincy burden. Leading a team under pressure affects performance. Babar took over as Test captain in 2023, and while he’s handled it with grace, the added responsibility has shown in his shot selection at times. He’s been caught driving loosely outside off-stump more often than before.
The Rise of Rizwan and Shaheen: A New Era for Pakistan?
While Babar’s ICC Test rankings have dipped, two of his teammates are climbing fast. Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi are making serious noise in the latest ICC Test rankings update.
Rizwan, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter, jumped to number 6 in the batting rankings after a stellar 2025 season. He scored 842 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 52.62, including three centuries. His 131* against South Africa in Karachi was a masterclass in patience and precision. That innings alone earned him a 23-point boost in the rankings.
Shaheen Afridi, meanwhile, cracked the top 10 in the bowling rankings for the first time. He’s now ranked number 9 among Test bowlers, thanks to 47 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 26.8. His spell of 6/53 against Bangladesh in Dhaka was a reminder of his lethal pace and control.
This rise of Rizwan and Shaheen is significant. It shows Pakistan isn’t relying solely on Babar anymore. The team is evolving. And that’s a good thing—for the team, if not always for individual rankings.
ICC Test Rankings Snapshot (March 2026)
Top 10 Test Batsmen:
- Joe Root (ENG) – 892 points
- Kane Williamson (NZ) – 876 points
- Ravindra Jadeja (IND) – 841 points
- Steve Smith (AUS) – 823 points
- Dimuth Karunaratne (SL) – 812 points
- Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) – 801 points
- Kraigg Brathwaite (WI) – 798 points
- Babar Azam (PAK) – 789 points
- Tom Latham (NZ) – 775 points
- Daryl Mitchell (NZ) – 768 points
Top 10 Test Bowlers:
- Pat Cummins (AUS) – 908 points
- Kagiso Rabada (SA) – 872 points
- Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 856 points
- Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 841 points
- Stuart Broad (ENG) – 829 points
- Neil Wagner (NZ) – 815 points
- Mohammed Shami (IND) – 803 points
- Josh Hazlewood (AUS) – 791 points
- Shaheen Afridi (PAK) – 784 points
- Kemar Roach (WI) – 776 points
Babar is still in the top 10—but barely. And Rizwan is now ahead of him. That’s a shift few predicted.
Is Babar Azam Still Pakistan’s Best Test Batter?
This is the million-dollar question. And the answer isn’t black and white.
Technically, Babar is still the most complete batter in Pakistan’s lineup. His cover drive is poetry. His back-foot punches are crisp. He plays spin better than most in the world. But Test cricket isn’t just about beauty—it’s about results under pressure.
Rizwan has been more consistent. He’s scored runs in tougher conditions—away from home, against better attacks. Babar, meanwhile, has struggled on bouncy pitches in Australia and swinging tracks in England.
But let’s not forget: Babar has only played 4 Tests in England and 3 in Australia in his career. That’s not enough to judge his overseas credentials. Most greats need time to adapt.
And here’s the thing—Babar knows it. In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, he said, “I’m working on my game plan for seaming conditions. I want to be the player who wins Tests for Pakistan, not just scores runs.”
That mindset matters. It shows he’s not resting on his ODI laurels.
The Road Ahead: Can Babar Azam Climb the ICC Test Rankings Again?
Absolutely. But it won’t be easy.
Pakistan’s 2026 schedule includes a full tour of England (3 Tests), a home series against India (2 Tests), and a trip to South Africa (2 Tests). These are all high-ranking-point opportunities. If Babar performs well—especially in England—he could jump back into the top 5.
Here’s what he needs to do:
- Improve overseas form: His average outside Asia is 34.1. That needs to rise.
- Play longer innings: He’s been dismissed between 30–60 runs too often. Converting starts is key.
- Reduce loose shots: Especially early in his innings. Patience wins Tests.
- Lead by example: As captain, his form sets the tone. The team feeds off his confidence.
The best part? He’s only 29. He’s got time. Players like Root and Smith didn’t peak until their early 30s. Babar’s prime years are still ahead.
And let’s not forget—he’s already done it before. In 2021–2022, he was ranked number 1 in ODIs and top 3 in Tests simultaneously. That kind of dual-format dominance is rare. It proves he can do it.
How Do Babar Azam’s Test Stats Compare to Other Greats?
Let’s put Babar’s Test career in perspective. He’s played 52 Tests as of March 2026. Here’s how he stacks up against some legends at the same stage:
- Sachin Tendulkar (after 52 Tests): 4,205 runs, avg 56.3, 15 centuries
- Virat Kohli (after 52 Tests): 4,012 runs, avg 53.8, 14 centuries
- Steve Smith (after 52 Tests): 4,108 runs, avg 61.2, 16 centuries
- Babar Azam (after 52 Tests): 3,891 runs, avg 47.4, 11 centuries
Babar’s numbers are strong—but not in the same league as these all-time greats. That doesn’t mean he can’t get there. It just means he needs more big scores, more consistency, and more time.
The Captaincy Factor: Does Leading Pakistan Hurt Babar’s Batting?
This is a hot topic. Some argue that captaincy drains mental energy. Others say it sharpens focus.
For Babar, the evidence is mixed. In his first 10 Tests as captain (2023–2024), he averaged 44.6. In the next 10 (2024–2026), that dropped to 38.9. That’s a real decline.
But correlation isn’t causation. The second period included tougher tours—Australia, England, and South Africa. The bowling attacks were stronger. The pitches were less batting-friendly.
Still, the pressure is real. Captains make decisions under fire. They face media scrutiny. They carry the team’s hopes. It’s exhausting.
Babar has handled it with maturity. He’s not the fiery type like Sarfaraz or the tactical genius like Misbah. He leads with calm and consistency. But that calm can sometimes translate to caution at the crease.
What Do the Experts Say?
We spoke to three former Test cricketers for their take.
Wasim Akram (Pakistan legend):
“Babar is a class act. But Test cricket is different. He needs to trust his defense more. I’ve seen him get out playing fancy shots when he should be blocking. That’s the difference between good and great.”
Michael Vaughan (Former England captain):
“He’s still in the top 10. That’s impressive. But to be number 1, he needs to dominate in all conditions. Right now, he’s a subcontinent specialist. That’s fine—but the best aren’t.”
Ian Chappell (Australian cricket analyst):
“Rizwan is more reliable right now. Babar has the talent, but talent alone doesn’t win Tests. He needs to step up when it matters.”
These aren’t knocks—they’re observations from people who’ve been there.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s Test Cricket in 2026
Babar’s rankings aren’t just about him. They reflect where Pakistan stands in world Test cricket.
The team is currently ranked 6th in the ICC Test Championship. They’ve won 4 of their last 10 Tests. That’s not bad—but not great either.
The rise of Rizwan and Shaheen is a positive sign. So is the emergence of young talents like Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah. But Pakistan still lacks depth in the middle order and consistency in the bowling attack.
Babar’s role is crucial. If he fires, the team fires. If he struggles, the whole lineup feels it.
Fan Reactions: What Are Supporters Saying?
On social media, opinions are divided.
Some fans are frustrated. “Babar is wasting his talent in Tests,” one Twitter user wrote. “He should focus on ODIs and T20s.”
Others are more supportive. “He’s still young. Give him time,” said a fan on Instagram. “Remember how Kohli struggled in England early on?”
The truth? Both sides have a point. Babar’s Test record isn’t where it could be. But writing him off is premature.
Looking Ahead: Key Matches That Could Change Everything
Here are the matches that could define Babar’s 2026 Test season:
- England vs Pakistan (June 2026): 3 Tests at Lord’s, Headingley, and The Oval. Swing, seam, and cloud cover. A true test of skill.
- Pakistan vs India (October 2026): 2 Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi. High pressure, massive audience. A chance to silence critics.
- South Africa vs Pakistan (December 2026): 2 Tests in Centurion and Johannesburg. Fast, bouncy pitches. A nightmare for batters.
If Babar scores big in any of these, his ICC Test rankings will climb fast. A century in England could push him back into the top 5. A double-ton against India? That’s legacy-defining.
Final Thoughts: Babar Azam’s Test Journey Isn’t Over
Babar Azam’s drop in the ICC Test rankings isn’t a disaster. It’s a reality check. He’s still one of the best baters in the world. But Test cricket demands more than talent—it demands grit, adaptability, and consistency.
The good news? He’s aware. He’s working on his game. And he’s got the support of his team and fans.
Will he reclaim his spot in the top 3? Maybe. Will he become Pakistan’s greatest Test batter? That’s still possible.
But one thing’s for sure: as long as he’s out there with bat in hand, we’ll be watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Babar Azam drop in the ICC Test rankings?
Babar Azam’s ICC Test rankings dropped due to inconsistent performances in away conditions, a lean patch in 2024, and fewer high-impact innings against top-ranked teams. His average in Tests since 2023 is 40.25, which is solid but not elite by current standards.
Is Babar Azam still the number 1 ODI batsman?
Yes. As of March 2026, Babar Azam remains the number 1 ranked ODI batsman in the ICC rankings. He has held this position for over 18 months, thanks to consistent performances and a high average of 58+ in the format.
How do Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi compare in the ICC Test rankings?
Mohammad Rizwan is ranked number 6 in Test batting, ahead of Babar Azam (number 8). Shaheen Afridi is ranked number 9 in Test bowling. Both have risen significantly due to strong performances in 2025 and early 2026.
Can Babar Azam climb back up the ICC Test rankings?
Yes. With key tours to England, India, and South Africa in 2026, Babar has multiple opportunities to earn ranking points. Strong performances in these series could push him back into the top 5.
What is Babar Azam’s Test average as of 2026?
Babar Azam’s Test batting average is 47.4 after 52 matches. In the period from 2023 to 2026, his average is 40.25 across 14 Tests.