ODI World Cup 2023: Shubman Gill's claiming top ODI batter opportunity from Babar Azam gets stalled due to his absence

Shubman Gill, who has been dealing with a recent bout of dengue fever, was unable to make his debut in the (International Cricket Council) ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. While Shubman is now granted some extra time for reflection during his recovery process, he missed out on another remarkable achievement that was well within his reach. The Indian opener is only 5 rating points away from surpassing Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, in the ICC Men's ODI batters' rankings.

Gill has significantly widened the gap as the leading run-scorer in the ongoing cricket calendar year. In the year 2023, he's already piled up an impressive 1230 runs from 20 ODIs, which includes a splendid double century, four centuries, and five half-centuries. Intriguingly, no other batsman has managed to breach the 1,000-run mark this year.

Shubhman Gill is now just 5 points away from the 1st position! pic.twitter.com/gkF8xwK7fP

— Mukul (@mukuljakhar07) October 11, 2023

Shubman Gill's overall ODI record is equally impressive, boasting 1917 runs from 35 matches, featuring a double ton, five centuries, and nine half-centuries. The talented Indian opener is now setting his sights on extending his batting prowess in the 2023 ODI World Cup on home turf, with just 83 runs needed to eclipse South Africa's Hashim Amla's record for the fastest 2000 runs. Amla had reached this milestone in 40 innings, a feat that Gill is poised to better.

A record held by Sachin Tendulkar for a long time 

Speaking of records, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history, holds the record for the most ODI runs in a calendar year. In 1998, the "Master Blaster" enjoyed a phenomenal run, accumulating a staggering 1894 runs from 34 matches at a mesmerizing average of 65.31. Sachin's extraordinary year included a remarkable nine centuries, a record that still stands as the most by any batsman in a calendar year in ODIs.

It's worth noting that this cricketing maestro claimed the title of the highest ODI run-getter not once, but five times during his illustrious career, solidifying his status as one of the game's greatest legends. Cricket enthusiasts can only marvel at these feats and anticipate more fireworks from today's star, Shubman Gill.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023