'A different level of capability': Gautam Gambhir feels Babar Azam can set the ODI World Cup 'on fire'

Former India batter Gautam Gambhir believes Babar Azam has the potential to wrap up as the top performer with the bat in the upcoming 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.

During a recent interaction with Star Sports, Gambhir was asked to pick a batter who could set the World Cup on fire. He was given a number of options to choose from.

The list included some world-class cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, David Warner and Babar as well. Gambhir did not hesitate much to take the name of the Pakistan captain. According to him, Babar possesses all the qualities to put up a better performance than the other anchormen.

To give logic to his statement, Gambhir underlined Babar’s composed approach as the Pakistan opener gives himself time to settle down at the crease. The ex-cricketer, however, made sure to acknowledge the quality of Kohli, Rohit, Williamson and Root. But he thinks Babar will keep the upper hand among them. Gambhir went on to add that Babar stands out from the competition because he has enough of time to play his shots.

“Babar Azam can set this ODI World Cup on fire. I have witnessed a lot of players with plenty of time to bat. I think that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Joe Root are there. But Babar Azam has got a different level of capability,” Gambhir explained during the conversation.

Gambhir’s appreciatory remarks came following Babar Azam’s dismal show in the recently concluded Asia Cup. The Pakistan skipper pulled off a roaring start to the continental tournament with a commendable 151-run knock against Nepal.

But he failed to continue the rhythm in the following games where he returned scores of 17, 10 and 29 against Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka respectively. Despite the poor performance in the Asia Cup, Babar still remains the world’s no. 1 ODI batter in the ICC rankings.

Looking at his international career thus far, Babar has featured in 108 ODIs for Pakistan and has aggregated a total of 5,409 runs at a spectacular batting average of 58.16. The right-handed batter has 19 centuries and 28 fifty-plus scores in the 50-over format. Babar will look to return to form in the ODI World Cup where Pakistan will begin their campaign with a match against the Netherlands on 6 October.