Babar Azam can set the World Cup on fire: Gautam Gambhir

NEW DELHI: There will be a plethora of batting stars but it will be Pakistan captain Babar Azam who has in him what it takes to set the ICC ODI World Cup on fire, feels former India opener Gautam Gambhir said.
When the two-time World Cup-winning player asked on Star Sports to name the player he anticipates watching the most at the World Cup, “Babar Azam,” pat came the reply.

Gambhir also said Babar has a different level compared to the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, David Warner, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.

“Babar Azam has every quality to set this World Cup on fire. I have seen very few players who have so much time. Yes, there are Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, David Warner, Kane Williamson and Joe Root but Babar Azam has a quality of a different level,” he said.

Gambhir also believes that to win the cricket World Cup, India need to defeat Australia as they have a remarkable performance history in ICC events.
“Look, I have always said this, and there is no doubt in this, that if you want to win the World Cup, then you have to beat Australia. In 2007 when we won the World Cup, we defeated Australia in the semifinal. In 2011 when we won the World Cup, we beat Australia in the quarterfinal. Australia is the strongest team in any ICC tournament. Remove the ranking, the ranking does not matter,” he added.