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As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ODI World Cup 2023, cricket enthusiasts and experts alike are making bold predictions and placing their bets on the standout players of the tournament. Recently, India’s former batter Gautam Gambhir also threw his hat into the ring and named a player who he believes could set the ODI World Cup 2023 ablaze.
The high expectations from India and the global challengers
The ODI World Cup is just around the corner, and the expectations of cricket fans around the globe are soaring high. The excitement is palpable as the tournament returns to India after a decade. With the tournament being held at home and the services of two stalwarts of the game, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the Men in Blue carries the hopes of a million cricket-crazy fans. Rohit and Virat are both modern-day greats and have the ability to turn the tide in India’s favour at any moment. However, they are not the only class acts in this tournament.
Other cricketing nations also boast formidable players who could pose a significant challenge to India’s World Cup aspirations. Players like Babar Azam from Pakistan, Kane Williamson from New Zealand, and Joe Root from England have already showcased their potential on the international stage. Their prowess is well-known to cricketing fans worldwide.
Also READ: Adam Gilchrist predicts the standout performer of ODI World Cup 2023
Gautam Gambhir’s unexpected and surprising choice
With such an array of cricketing talent on display, it’s a tough task to single out one player who could outshine them all. Nevertheless, Gambhir accepted the challenge but surprisingly didn’t select any of the Indian batters when asked about the potential standout performer of the ODI World Cup 2023. Instead, he cast his vote for Pakistan’s skipper, Babar, naming him as the player who could set the tournament on fire.
Gautam Gambhir’s endorsement of Babar Azam
Speaking on Star Sports, Gambhir had high praise for Babar, emphasizing that he possesses a unique and exceptional batting capability that sets him apart from the likes of Virat, Rohit, Williamson and 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,” said Gambhir.
Babar Azam’s stellar form
Babar’s recent form certainly supports Gambhir’s endorsement. In 15 ODI innings this year, the right-handed batsman has amassed an impressive 745 runs. However, it’s worth noting that he had a somewhat forgettable outing in the Asia Cup 2023. Despite a scintillating 151-run performance in the opening game, he struggled to find his rhythm for the remainder of the tournament.
