Jacques Kallis backs Jos Buttler to score the most runs in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

Legendary South African cricketer Jacques Kallis has weighed in on England’s chances in the upcoming World Cup, singling out white-ball captain Jos Buttler as a strong contender for the leading run-scorer title. But can Buttler deliver, especially given the World Cup will be held in India? Let’s delve into the insights why Jacques Kallis backs Jos Buttler to score the most runs.

Jacques Kallis’ Take on Jos Buttler

In a recent video interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Kallis expressed his confidence in Buttler’s potential. “I think Jos Buttler will be the leading run-scorer. An outside call, but I fancy him in those conditions. Along with England having a good World Cup, I think, um, he’s going to be the one guy that stands up,” said Kallis. The South African legend believes that Buttler’s familiarity with Indian conditions will give him a competitive edge.

Buttler’s Track Record in India

Jos Buttler is no stranger to Indian pitches. With an impressive record in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Buttler has demonstrated his capability to perform well in India. He has scored a staggering 3223 runs from 96 IPL matches, boasting a robust strike rate of 148.32. The 2022 IPL season was especially fruitful for him, amassing 863 runs at an average of 57.53 and hitting four centuries.

But What About His ODI Performance in India?

However, it’s crucial to note that despite his sparkling IPL record, Buttler has struggled in the One Day International (ODI) format in India, accumulating only 83 runs from eight matches at a disappointing average of 11. Yet, his overall ODI statistics tell a different story: he has 4647 runs from 165 ODIs at an average of 41.49.

The Journey Ahead: England’s Opening Clash with New Zealand

England’s campaign begins with a much-anticipated match against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. This match holds special significance as it is a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, and it kicks off England’s efforts to defend their World Cup title.

Jacques Kallis backs Jos Buttler to score the most runs

While Jos Buttler’s ODI record in India may raise some eyebrows, his overall performance and recent IPL success present a hopeful outlook. Only time will tell if Jacques Kallis’ prediction will ring true, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Jos Buttler as England takes on the World Cup challenge.