The upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup is expected to be a high-scoring affair due to the current dominance of batsmen over bowlers, coupled with the conditions in the subcontinent. With runs flowing freely, batsmen can look forward to some standout performances and impressive personal run tallies.
Moreover, Shubman Gill and numerous top batsmen are entering the ODI World Cup in exceptional form. This implies that the race to be the leading run-scorer will be highly competitive. In previous editions of the World Cup, illustrious batters like Sachin Tendulkar and Matthew Hayden have solidified their legacies by topping the charts for highest run-scorers.
Despite the fact that a new set of locations are expected to be used, the warm-up games have proven a reliable indicator since they have offered a blueprint for how the real games in the tournament would proceed. The Indian Premier League (IPL), which has given most batsmen a good grasp on the circumstances, is one of the factors contributing to their supremacy over bowlers.
On that topic, let’s look at five hitters that might end up scoring the most runs during the 2023 World Cup.
5. Shubman Gill – India
Emerging as the top ODI run-scorer, Shubman Gill’s recent performances catapulted him to the No. 2 spot in ICC rankings. Shubman Gill’s stellar partnership with Rohit Sharma secured his opening position, replacing Shikhar Dhawan. Leading Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Shubman Gill’s form from the 2023 Asia Cup and bilateral series against Australia sets the stage for a strong World Cup campaign.
4. Babar Azam – Pakistan
Currently the No. 1 ODI batsman, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, boasts form from World Cup warm-up games and the Asia Cup 2023. A symbol of batting class, Azam aims to surpass his own record, holding the most runs in a single edition by a Pakistani batter.
3. Virat Kohli – India
In possibly his final ODI World Cup, Virat Kohli seeks to maximize opportunities. With a rich vein of form and a penchant for stepping up in crucial moments, Kohli’s hunger for runs is well-documented. While past World Cup performances may have fallen short, this could be the tournament where Kohli leads India to glory.
2. David Warner – Australia
Approaching the twilight of his career, Warner aims to make a lasting impression in what could be his final ODI tournament. With a remarkable form, evident in three consecutive fifty-plus scores in the ODI series against India and contributions against South Africa, David Warner is poised to repeat his 2019 exploits.
1. Quinton de Kock – South Africa
Quinton de Kock, again another player who says goodbye to the dwindling format before really quitting the game, still has a lot to prove before going the more favored T20 way.
The Proteas’ opening batsman is currently in excellent form, scoring runs with ease. He also has a stellar track record in subcontinental circumstances, and his performances will undoubtedly spark a South African team that is a mixed bag going into the competition.
He has a lot of responsibility as the team’s most seasoned hitter, which may inspire him to perform at his peak and make his final ODI assignment one to remember.
