India, Feb. 9 -- Pakistan cricket's biggest name is suddenly being discussed like a puzzle that needs solving mid-tournament, and Ricky Ponting isn't sugar-coating why.

After Pakistan's opening T20 World Cup 2026 game against the Netherlands, Ponting suggested the team may need to rethink how it uses Babar Azam, warning that a slow start from a top-order anchor can end up squeezing everyone else.

Speaking with Ravi Shastri and Sanjana Ganesan on the ICC Review, Ponting said the most alarming part wasn't the dot balls - it was what he felt was missing in the shots themselves.

"It just to me looks like he's lost a bit of his power, his ball striking ability, like taking on that spinner on the way he did and not being able to even go clos...