The former Indian batsman and member of the team that won the World Cup in 2011 has given a big prediction to prolific Pakistani batsman Babar Azam.
“The kind of technique that Babar Azam has, I think he will score three-four centuries for Pakistan in this World Cup,” Gautam Gambhir said while talking to Star Sports. Gautam Gambhir also noted that Babar has the potential to ignite the World Cup with his batting performances for India.
On Team India’s chances, Gautam Gambhir said, “At an average of 58.42, India’s all-format captain has amassed 4148 runs in 80 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at home. “The kind of ability he has. India is playing the World Cup on home soil. “We all know Rohit Sharma’s home run record. He has three-four double hundreds. So I’m sure he will really look up to it and be keen to change it for India,” said Gambhir, the former India international.
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Speaking to Star Sports, Gambhir said: “I think Babar is capable of lighting up this World Cup. He has all sorts of qualities to do so. I have never seen a player who has so much time on his hands while batting. Yes, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma David Warner, Kane Williamson and Joe Root are really great, but Babar is on another level of quality.”
In 16 ODIs this year, Babar has scored 745 runs at an average of 49.66 and a strike rate of over 85. He has scored two centuries and six fifties in 15 innings, with a best score of 151.
Overall in 108 ODI matches, he has scored 5409 runs at an average of 58.16 and a strike rate above 89. He has 19 centuries and 28 fifties in 105 innings, with a best score of 158. He is currently ranked first in ODIs. .
The player made his debut in the 2019 World Cup, where he scored 474 runs in eight matches at an average of 67.71 runs. He scored a century and three half-centuries in that tournament with a best score of 101*, and finished as his team’s top run-scorer. He was also the eighth highest scorer in the tournament but failed to help Pakistan reach the semi-finals.
*With agency input
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Updated: 02 October 2023, 03:15 PM IST
