Babar has the potential to become the number one batter in all formats: Dinesh Karthik

In conversation with Sanjana Ganesan for the latest episode of ICC review, Dinesh Karthik had some heartfelt predictions for Babar Azam. Karthik feels that Babar has the potential to become the first batter in modern cricket to be ranked number 1 in all formats of the game.

Currently, Babar Azam is the number 1 ranked batsman in both T20I's and the ODIs, although he ranks 5th in red-ball cricket. However, Karthik feels that the scenario will soon change. 

In total praise of Babar, Karthik said to ICC, "One-hundred per cent (he is capable of achieving that)," "He is a high-quality player who is at the peak of his batting prowess, and he has got some Test matches coming up,"

"He has been phenomenal in all three formats of the game, and he has done well in different batting positions. I wish him all the best and think he has the potential. He has got all the following of Pakistan helping him in abundance to go on and do special things for his country,"

For a long time, Kohli, Root, Smith, and Williamson have dominated the game and managed to stay in the elite list of 'fab 4', but Karthik feels that soon Babar will join that elite list and rename it to be the 'Fab 5'. 

When asked about what does 36 year old feels that Babar has that makes him such a lethal batsman in today's time. Karthik replied, "The two things that struck me when I watched him bat are his balance and his striking point when he plays a ball."

"Whether it is on the front foot or the back foot, his ability to strike the ball more often than not under his eyes has been phenomenal,"

"He strikes the ball at the point where it is optimum power for where the ball is pitched, and that makes him a very special player."

Babar Azam has scored 9798 international runs in 200 matches. He also holds the record for the fastest batter to reach 2000 T20i runs.