South African cricket legend Jacques Kallis has thrown his weight behind England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler. He predicts that Buttler will emerge as the top run-scorer in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The championship runs from October 5 to November 19, and England will begin its title defence against New Zealand on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This fixture is a highly anticipated rematch of the nail-biting 2019 World Cup final.
During an Instagram live session with ICC, Kallis was quick to name Buttler when asked about his prediction for the leading run-scorer of the tournament. “I think Jos Buttler will be the leading run-scorer,” Kallis noted. He went on to add that he fancies Buttler’s chances in the Indian conditions and believes England will have a strong World Cup campaign.
Before we delve into the statistics, let’s acknowledge England’s victory in the 2019 World Cup. They emerged as the champions, edging out New Zealand in a thrilling match decided on the boundary count rule. Undoubtedly, the English team will be keen to replicate that success, especially under Buttler’s leadership.
Now, let’s consider Buttler’s numbers. The aggressive right-handed batsman has so far played 165 ODIs, amassing 4647 runs at an average of 41.49. He has hit 11 centuries and 24 fifties. However, these overall stats paint a rosy picture that doesn’t necessarily reflect his track record in India or World Cup matches. In eight ODIs played in India, Buttler has scored a mere 83 runs at a lowly average of 11.85. Likewise, his World Cup record isn’t stellar either: 17 matches with 453 runs at an average of 34.84.
Here’s my take on Kallis’s prediction. While it’s tempting to consider Buttler as a leading candidate for the top run-scorer, his previous performances in India and World Cup history offer some caution. No doubt, Buttler is an incredibly skilled and aggressive player capable of turning any game on its head. His wide range of shots and ability to handle spin makes him a force to reckon with. So, Kallis’s prediction isn’t completely out of left field.
Jacques Kallis Predicts Jos Buttler as Leading Run-Scorer in 2023 World Cup: A Bold Prediction with Caveats
However, cricket is a game of conditions as much as it is of skill. Buttler’s subpar average in India signals that he hasn’t yet cracked how to dominate in Indian conditions. Adaptability will be key for him. He needs to prove that he can bring his aggressive game to India’s spin-friendly pitches.
Additionally, while England is the defending champion, they’re playing in conditions vastly different from the 2019 World Cup held in England. The pressures of defending a title and adapting to unfamiliar conditions could be a double-edged sword for the team and its captain.
He said: “I think Jos Buttler will be the leading run-scorer. Outside call, but I fancy him in those conditions along with England having a good World Cup. I think he’s going to be the one guy that stands out.”
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In summary, while Kallis’s prediction brings an interesting angle to the World Cup narrative, it’s a bold claim that comes with its own set of reservations. If Buttler manages to defy his past records and proves Kallis right, it would not only cement his legacy but also add an intriguing chapter to cricket history. However, to convert this prediction into reality, Buttler has a mountain of challenges to overcome, starting with his adaptability to Indian conditions.
