'Why Is He No.1 Ranked ICC Batter?' Gambhir On Babar's Batting Performances In World Cup 2023
Babar Azam has failed to live up to his reputation in World Cup 2023
Numbers often tell a story, but they don't always narrate the complete saga. Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, despite being the world's top-ranked ODI batsman, has found himself amidst a whirlwind of criticism in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
Gautam Gambhir questioned Babar Azam's impactful knocks
With three half-centuries under his belt, scoring 207 runs in 6 innings, one might assume Babar was on fire. But, the averages and strike rates depict a slightly dimmer shade of his usual brilliance.
While numbers seldom lie, they sometimes don’t convey the whole truth. The charismatic 29-year-old, often hailed for his brilliance with the bat, has been walking a tightrope this World Cup.
Despite his steady scores, the captain hasn't unleashed those thunderous innings that fans eagerly anticipate. With Pakistan’s shaky performance and a nearly sealed fate post their defeat to South Africa, many are left yearning for the Babar magic.
Even legends of the game have chimed in. While speaking to Star Sports, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir candidly expressed his thoughts.
Gambhir subtly questioned Babar's top ICC ranking, pointing out that while his two-year run tally is impressive, the real mettle of a No.1 player is gauged by their match-winning performances.
Further highlighting Pakistan's singular 300+ score against Australia in the tournament, Gambhir hinted that Babar’s runs, though consistent, lacked the impactful ferocity that single-handedly turns the tide of a game.
“You want to talk about Babar's captaincy and his batting...he scored three fifties in the last six games. I don't know why he is No.1 ranked ICC batter. Yes he has scored a lot of runs in the last two years. He has 19 centuries to his name but records and rankings are all too very overrated. A No.1 player is that who helps you win matches. He has scored a lot of runs but is yet to play an impactful knock where he has single-handedly won the game for the team. He scored three fifties in this World Cup but Pakistan went past 300 only once, against Australia, which they eventually lost,” said Gambhir as he slammed the Pakistan skipper.
Babar will have the opportunity to redeem himself and get back amongst big runs when his side takes on Bangladesh in Match 31 of World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, October 31 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
 "Jatin")
