As the year 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the standout performers in the world of cricket. The ICC ODI World Cup, being the pinnacle event of the year, witnessed some exceptional displays of skill and talent. This article presents the best XI of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, featuring players who left an indelible mark on the tournament with their outstanding performances.
Shubman Gill (India): Gill’s stellar form in the ODI format saw him amass over 1580 runs in 29 matches, including a memorable double century. His consistency at the top of the order was instrumental for India throughout the year. Gill’s ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships made him a vital cog in India’s batting lineup.
- Matches: 29
- Runs: 1580+
- Highest Score: Double century
- ICC Ranking: Topped the rankings
Rohit Sharma (c) (India): Despite a trophy-less year, Sharma’s leadership stood out as he guided India to 10 wins in the World Cup and victory in the Asia Cup. With over 1250 runs and a striking rate of nearly 120, Sharma’s captaincy and batting prowess were commendable. His ability to lead from the front and set the tone for the innings was crucial for India’s success.
- Matches: 27
- Runs: 1250 at a strike rate of 120
- Captaincy: Led India to 10 wins in the World Cup
- Asia Cup: Led India to victory
Virat Kohli (India): Kohli’s dominance at the number three spot continued in 2023, as he amassed 1377 runs with an astonishing average of over 95. His record-breaking 765 runs in the World Cup solidified his position as one of the best in the world. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a formidable force in the middle order.
- Runs: 1377
- World Cup: 765 runs with an average of over 95
- Consistency: Owned the number three spot
Mitchell Marsh (Australia): Marsh’s all-round contributions were crucial for Australia, with over 850 runs and a key role in their World Cup triumph. His ability to provide stability in the middle order and chip in with crucial wickets made him a valuable asset for the team. Marsh’s consistent performances with bat and ball added balance to the Australian side.
- Runs: 850+
- All-rounder: Balanced contributions with bat and ball
- World Cup: Played a key role in Australia’s title win
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): Mitchell’s form across formats made him a standout player, especially in ODIs. With over 1200 runs and a couple of centuries, he was a vital cog in New Zealand’s batting lineup. His ability to adapt to different situations and construct innings according to the team’s requirements made him a reliable performer.
- Runs: 1200+
- Centuries: Scored a couple of centuries
- Form: Consistent across formats
Heinrich Klaasen (wk) (South Africa): Klaasen’s explosive batting and agile wicket-keeping made him a valuable asset for South Africa. His quick century in the World Cup showcased his match-winning abilities. Klaasen’s ability to accelerate the innings in the middle overs and provide impetus to the innings was crucial for South Africa.
- Runs: 900+
- Best hitter against spin
- Highest Score: 174
- Wicket-keeping: Agile and efficient.
Glenn Maxwell (Australia): Maxwell’s ability to finish games with his explosive batting was evident in the World Cup, where he played crucial innings for Australia. His match-winning 200 in an ODI innings highlighted his impact. Maxwell’s ability to turn the game on its head with his aggressive stroke play and innovative batting made him a feared opponent for any bowling attack.
- Innings: Played crucial innings for Australia
- Match-winning: Scored a match-winning 200
Kuldeep Yadav (India): Yadav’s spin wizardry earned him 49 wickets in just 29 matches, making him one of the top wicket-takers in the world. His ability to take wickets consistently added depth to India’s bowling attack. Yadav’s variations and ability to pick wickets in the middle overs made him a potent weapon for India.
- Wickets: 49 in 29 matches
- Consistency: Ability to take wickets regularly
Mohammad Shami (India): Shami’s pace and accuracy made him a lethal weapon for India, especially in the World Cup, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker. His ability to strike early and in the death overs made him a valuable asset. Shami’s ability to swing the ball both ways and hit the right lengths consistently troubled batsmen throughout the year.
- Wickets: 43 in 19 innings
- Leading Wicket-taker: Emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): Despite a challenging World Cup, Afridi’s performances in ODIs were impressive, with 42 wickets in 22 innings. His ability to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack from the front was commendable. Afridi’s ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch made him a potent threat for opposition batsmen.
- Wickets: 42 in 22 innings
- Bowling: Led Pakistan’s bowling attack
Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka): Madushanka’s debut performance in the World Cup was remarkable, with 31 wickets in just 15 innings. His emergence as a wicket-taking bowler added depth to Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup. Madushanka’s ability to swing the ball both ways and deceive batsmen with his variations made him a promising prospect for Sri Lanka.
- Wickets: 31 in 15 innings
- Debut Performance: Remarkable debut in the World Cup
These players, with their exceptional performances, have earned their place in the best XI of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Their contributions have not only impacted their respective teams but have also left a lasting impression on the cricketing world. As we look forward to the next chapter of international cricket, these players serve as a reminder of the talent and skill that define the sport at its highest level.
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