WC 2023 Stats: Cricket’s biggest stage, the World Cup, is not just a test of a team’s collective prowess, but also a platform for individual players to shine. It’s a stage where legends are made, but it also can be a platform of harsh realities. The World Cup 2023 has been no exception. While new stars are rising, some established names, surprisingly, have been dimming.
Unexpected Underperformers:
Every World Cup, there’s a list of star batsmen from whom fireworks are expected. This year too, fans awaited classic innings from the masters of the modern game. However, a few big names are yet to light up the stage. So, who are these players whose bats have been surprisingly silent?
Babar Azam:
Pakistan’s captain and cricketing sensation, Babar Azam, entered the World Cup with high expectations. Revered for his elegant batting style and consistency, Azam has, unfortunately, not been at his best. With only 157 runs from 5 matches, his performance is way below what’s expected of a player of his caliber.
Jonny Bairstow:
England’s swashbuckling opener, Jonny Bairstow, has been a cornerstone for the team in previous tournaments. However, this World Cup tells a different story. Scoring just 97 runs in 4 matches at an average of 24.25, Bairstow hasn’t provided the fiery starts England relies on.
Jos Buttler:
The English captain, known for his destructive capabilities with the bat, has been a disappointment. In 4 matches, Buttler has managed to score a mere 87 runs, averaging 21.75. As a leader and a mainstay of the English middle order, much more was anticipated from him.
Steve Smith:
A true surprise has been the performance of Steve Smith, Australia’s cricketing genius. Smith, celebrated for his unique batting style and consistency, hasn’t found his rhythm this World Cup. With just 72 runs from four outings, fans are left yearning for his trademark fifties and hundreds.
while the World Cup is an unpredictable journey and pressure can sometimes weigh heavy even on the most experienced shoulders, fans across the globe still hope to witness these stalwarts reclaim their magic as the tournament progresses. After all, form is temporary, but class, as they say, is permanent.
