Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has praised Babar Azam as a standout batsman to keep an eye on in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The two-time World Cup champion admires Azam’s ability to pick his shots with ample time, setting him apart from other players. Gambhir even went on to suggest that Azam’s skills surpass those of India’s captain Rohit Sharma, the prolific Virat Kohli, New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson, and England’s stalwart Joe Root.
“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,” Gambhir said to Star Sports.
Despite recent scores of 17 (22), 10 (24), and 29 (35) against Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023, it’s worth noting that Babar Azam showcased his prowess with a brilliant 151 off 131 against Nepal during the same tournament.
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In the year 2023, Babar has accumulated an impressive total of 745 runs from 15 innings, maintaining an average of 49.67. This includes two centuries and six half-centuries. Looking at his overall ODI career, he has notched up a remarkable 5409 runs in 108 matches, boasting an impressive average of 58.16, which includes 19 centuries and 28 half-centuries.
Babar Azam boasts an outstanding track record in ODIs, especially against cricketing giants like five-time champions Australia, against whom he has tallied 588 runs in nine ODIs at a remarkable average of 73.50. This includes three centuries and two half-centuries.
He also demonstrates proficiency when facing defending champions England, having accumulated 816 runs in 19 ODIs at a solid average of 48, which features two centuries.
Against South Africa and New Zealand, Azam continues to shine. He has amassed 523 runs in ten ODIs against the Proteas at an impressive average of 65.38 and 840 runs in 19 ODIs against the Kiwis at a commendable average of 46.67.
However, it’s worth noting that Babar Azam’s performance against India has been relatively below par, with 168 runs in seven ODIs at an average of 28, and he has yet to register a half-century against them.