Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has made a bold prediction about Pakistan skipper Babar Azam ahead of ODI World Cup 2023. While Gambhir feels that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will be lethal in the mega event given his record at home, the former opener predicted that Babar will score three to four centuries.
“The kind of ability he has. India are playing the World Cup at home. We all know about Rohit Sharma's record at home. He has three or four double hundreds. So I'm sure he will be really looking forward to and he will be eager to turn it around for India,” Gambhir said.
"The kind of technique Babar Azam has, I think he will score three or four centuries for Pakistan in this World Cup," he added.
Babar was in fine form in the warm-up clash against New Zealand. He scored 80 runs from 84 balls including eight fours, and two sixes, and shared a crucial partnership with Mohammad Rizwan after openers fell early.
However, he was not impressive in the ODI Asia Cup. After a century against Asia Cup debutants Nepal, he scored just 66 runs in the rest of the tournament from three innings.
Gambhir had earlier praised Babar as well and said that his level of skills is unmatched. "Babar Azam has that every quality that he can set this World Cup on fire. I have seen very few players who have a lot of time to bat. I believe that there is Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Joe Root and David Warner but Babar Azam has a different level of quality," he said.
Pakistan will take on Australia in their next warm-up clash at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on October 3. On the same day, India will take on the Netherlands at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram after their first warm-up game against defending champions England was washed out.
Pakistan will start their World Cup campaign against minnows Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6. India will take on Australia at MA Chidamabaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8 in their campaign opener.
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