Babar Azam has been the undisputed No.1 ODI batter in the world for over a year now, but his lead at the top is starting to narrow. A host of stars are in stunning form at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and they are all closing in on the Pakistan skipper.
The race for the No.1 ODI batter ranking is one of the most exciting storylines in the sport right now. Babar Azam has been the best batsman in the world for a long time, but he is now facing a serious challenge from a number of other players.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has provided a perfect platform for these challengers to make their move. The tournament has seen some incredible batting performances, and several players have broken records.
In this article, we will take a look at the race for the No.1 ODI batter ranking and the players who are challenging Babar Azam for the top spot. We will also analyze the factors that could decide who comes out on top.
Shubman Gill – The young Indian opener who is taking the world by storm
Shubman Gill is one of the most exciting young batsmen in the world right now. The Indian opener has been in stunning form in recent months, and he is now closing in on Babar Azam at the top of the ODI batting rankings.
Gill has scored 95 runs from just three matches at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. He has been particularly impressive against spin, and he has played some match-winning innings for India.
Gill is still only 23 years old, but he has already shown that he is one of the best batsmen in the world. He is a technically gifted player, and he has a wide range of shots. He is also very good at rotating the strike, and he is difficult to bowl to.
Strengths and disadvantages of Gill
Gill’s strengths include:
- Excellent technique and shot selection
- Ability to play spin well
- Good temperament and composure
- Ability to rotate the strike
Gill’s weaknesses include:
- Can be vulnerable to short-pitched bowling
- Can be susceptible to getting out cheaply if he doesn’t get going early
Quinton de Kock – The South African opener who is back to his best
Quinton de Kock is another player who is challenging Babar Azam for the No.1 ODI batter ranking. The South African opener has been in sensational form at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and he has scored three centuries in the tournament so far.
De Kock is a destructive batsman who can take the game away from the opposition on his day. He is particularly good against pace, and he has a knack of scoring quick runs.
De Kock has struggled with his form in recent years, but he seems to be back to his best at the World Cup. He is a key player for South Africa, and he will be hoping to continue his good form throughout the tournament.
Strengths and disadvantages of de Kock
de Kock’s strengths include:
- Destructive strokeplay
- Ability to take the game away from the opposition
- Good against pace
- Good hand-eye coordination
de Kock’s weaknesses include:
- Can be inconsistent
- Can be susceptible to getting out cheaply if he doesn’t get going early
Other challengers
In addition to Gill and de Kock, there are a number of other players who are challenging Babar Azam for the No.1 ODI batter ranking. These players include:
- Virat Kohli (India)
- Rohit Sharma (India)
- Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)
- Steve Smith (Australia)
- David Warner (Australia)
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
All of these players are in good form, and they are capable of scoring big runs on a consistent basis. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the race for the No.1 ODI batter ranking.
Conclusion
The race for the No.1 ODI batter ranking is one of the most exciting storylines in the sport right now. Babar Azam is facing a serious challenge from a number of other players, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will play a key role in deciding who becomes the No.1 ODI batter in the world. The tournament has already seen some incredible batting performances, and it is likely that we will see more of the same in the coming weeks.