After getting defeated by South Africa for the first time since 1999, the Pakistan cricket team is facing a lot of criticism over their performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
Former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir took a jibe at how Babar Azam became the No. 1 ODI player in the World.
"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 one who helps you win matches. He has scored a lot of runs but has 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," he said.
Apparently, just before the World Cup, Gambhir was asked about who would be the most impactful player in the tournament. Without any hesitation, he took Babar Azam’s name.
Virender Sehwag also commented on Babar Azam’s recent performances in the World Cup.
"It wasn't a bad innings. Pakistan lost two early wickets and he held one end, helping the team to revive. But is he satisfied with just a 50? No. Any other No. 3 batter would want to take that 50 and convert it into a big score. Had he done that, Pakistan would have ended with 300-plus total. And that is where the difference is drawn. Great players don't let go of such opportunities. Babar Azam is using his form to the extent that he only keeps his place in the side.” he said.