Gautam Gambhir Hails Babar Azam as ODI World Cup’s Standout Player

Former Indian cricketer and two-time World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir has heaped praise on Pakistan’s cricketing sensation, Babar Azam, dubbing him as the player to watch out for in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Gambhir’s endorsement comes with high regard, as he places Azam above cricketing giants like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root.

Timeless Elegance Sets Babar Apart

Gambhir’s admiration for Babar Azam stems from the Pakistan captain’s exceptional ability to dictate the game with his timeless elegance at the crease. According to Gambhir, Azam’s remarkable knack for having ample time to play his shots is what truly sets him apart from his peers.

In a recent interview with Star Sports, Gambhir expressed his confidence in Azam’s potential, stating, “Babar Azam can set this World Cup on fire. I have seen a lot of players with so much time to bat. I think that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root are there, but Babar Azam has a different level of capability.”

Despite some recent modest scores in the Asia Cup 2023, including 17 (22), 10 (24), and 29 (35) against Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka respectively, Babar Azam’s class shone brightly when he demolished Nepal with a brilliant 151 off 131 deliveries.

Babar Azam’s Remarkable Record

In 2023, Babar Azam has already accumulated 745 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 49.67, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries. His overall ODI record is equally astounding, with 5409 runs in 108 matches at an astonishing average of 58.16, inclusive of 19 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

Notably, Azam has consistently excelled against cricketing giants. He boasts an exceptional record against five-time World Cup champions Australia, amassing 588 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 73.50, which includes three centuries and two fifties. Against defending champions England, Azam has scored 816 runs in 19 ODIs at an average of 48, featuring two centuries.

Additionally, the Pakistani maestro has showcased his prowess against South Africa and New Zealand, accumulating 523 runs in ten ODIs against the Proteas with an average of 65.38 and 840 runs in 19 ODIs against the Kiwis at an average of 46.67.

However, one blemish in Azam’s otherwise remarkable record is his performance against arch-rivals India. In seven ODIs against India, he has scored 168 runs at an average of 28, without registering a half-century.

With the 2023 ODI World Cup approaching, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be keen to witness Babar Azam’s elegant strokeplay and his quest to set the tournament ablaze with his exceptional batting prowess.

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