Former Australian all-rounder Mark Waugh has suggested that the Sydney Sixers should make a tough call for the BBL 2025–26 knockout by dropping Babar Azam from their playing XI. Waugh believes the team should reshuffle their batting order to improve their chances in the knockout stage, as Babar has failed to deliver consistent performances at the top.
Speaking on Fox Sports, Waugh highlighted how dependent the Sixers have become on Steve Smith and stressed the need for change.
“I think they need a bit of tough love and a rejig in their batting because, right now, it’s almost entirely reliant on Steve Smith. Sam Curran got them out of a tight spot in another game, but he’s gone, and at the moment, there aren’t many players in form. So, I’m looking at bringing in either Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk,” Waugh said.
Babar has scored only 202 runs from 11 matches at an average of 22.44, with a strike rate of 103.06.
Waugh then mentioned the need for a strong opener.
“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam. I know he’s world-class, but at the top of the order, he hasn’t delivered consistently enough. When you’re thinking about winning this tournament, you need your openers firing, and so far, he just hasn’t done it,” Waugh explained.
He also suggested a few options, saying,
“For a new opener, you could go with Moises Henriques or bring in either Hughes or Silk. That’s the way I’m thinking.”
Sydney finished second on the table with the help of Steve Smith and Sam Curran. After losing to the Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier, Sydney will face the Hobart Hurricanes on January 23 in Sydney.
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