The 2023 ODI World Cup is around the corner and the cricket fans are counting the days for the start. Just like the other fans around the world, the Indian fans are also showing their excitement.
Team India has just won the Asia Cup for the 8th time. With one trophy already in the bag, there is massive pressure on Rohit Sharma and his team. India last won the ODI World Cup in 2011. MS Dhoni and his team had won the title and ended the 28-year wait for the title.
Gautam Gambhir was recently in conversation with Star Sports India. The former Indian opener was speaking on a host of topics. One of the major topics that was broached was the likely star with the bat during this ODI World Cup.
Not Virat Kohli but Gambhir backs this player to set the stage on fire –
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was recently speaking to Star Sports India. The 41-year-old was asked to name the one batter who could set the 2023 World Cup on fire. The options were Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Joe Root, Steve Smith, David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Babar Azam.
.@GautamGambhir will eagerly watch out for @babarazam258's performance this #CWC2023. ?
Will Babar prove to be the BEST against the rest on the BIGGEST stage?#WorldCupOnStar#Cricket pic.twitter.com/CwccE3r5JI
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 23, 2023
Gautam Gambhir answered, “Babar Azam, I think Babar Azam ke pass woh har tarike ki quality hai ke Babar Azam can set this World Cup on fire. Aur bahut aise khiladi maine dekhe hai jinke pass itna waqt hai ballebazi ka. Aur mera manna hai ke zaroor Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, David Warner, Kane Williamson, Joe Root hai lekin Babar Azam ke pass alag level ki quality hai.”
The former Indian opener was part of the team that won the World Cup in 2011. Gautam Gambhir had scored a match-winning 97 as he shared a crucial stand with skipper MS Dhoni. Ahead of India’s match opener against Australia on 8th October, Gautam Gambhir has come up with a massive statement.
The 41-year-old said to Star Sports “Look, I have always said this, and there is no doubt in this, that if you want to win the World Cup, you have to beat Australia. In 2007 when we won the World Cup (T20) we beat Australia in the Semi-Finals. In 2011 when we won the World Cup, we beat Australia in the Quarter-Final. Australia is the strongest team in any tournament. Remove the ranking, it doesn’t matter”
