Zaheer Khan has tipped India’s Shubman Gill to be the leading run-getter in the World Cup 2023 ahead of India’s clash with Australia on Sunday, October 8.
Gill has had an exceptional year in 2023, particularly in ODIs. He has been the top scorer in the format for the year, amassing over 1,230 runs in just 20 matches. This impressive tally makes him the leading run-scorer in this format for the year. His average stands at an impressive 72.35, with a strike rate of 105.03.
Gill’s performance has been marked by consistency and brilliance, as evidenced by his six centuries in ODIs – the highest number of the year so far. These hundreds have contributed to his total of more than 1,200 runs.
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In the Asia Cup 2023, Gill notched his fifth ODI hundred, and ended up as the highest run-getter in the tournament.
However, ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Gill was reportedly down with dengue fever, casting doubt on his participation in the opening match against Australia. Despite this setback, there were hopes that he might recover in time for the match, as he was not officially ruled out. As of October 6th, 2023, Indian coach Rahul Dravid stated that Gill was feeling better and that the medical team hadn’t ruled him out for the game yet.
Speaking to India Today’s Consulting Editor, Rajdeep Sardesai, Zaheer said that he sees Gill being the highest run-getter in the World Cup. The former pacer also said that if the 24-year-old can start of with a few good knocks under his belt, then it could be a fantastic World Cup for him.
“Well, look at his year. Year 2023 has been a phenomenal year for him. He’s been scoring hundreds, double hundreds, across formats. Very consistent. I’ve actually mentioned that, he’s going to be the leading scorer for this tournament.”
“That’s the kind of year he’s having. He’s got the potential. He’s batting in the top order. It all depends on how you set the tone for the tournament. You know, for a for a batter like like him, If the first couple of innings he gets into the World Cup with nice innings under his belt, then it’s just going to be a really great World Cup for him.”
“And I will not be surprised if he’s one of the leading run scorers for the tournament,” said Zaheer.
