As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the start of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, fans and experts alike are keeping a close eye on several key players who are expected to shine in this highly-anticipated tournament. From established legends to emerging talents, these players are poised to make a significant impact on the biggest stage of ODI cricket.
Here are top 5 key players to watch out for at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 held in India:
1. Virat Kohli – India
Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest and most competitive cricketers, aims to emulate the success of his idol Sachin Tendulkar, who led India to World Cup glory in 2011. Kohli is the only active player featured in the ICC’s all-time top 10 lists, holding the No. 6 spot in the batting rankings. With a massive following in the cricket-crazy nation of India, Kohli is a cricketing icon. He recently achieved his 47th century in ODIs, surpassing 13,000 runs in the format in just 267 innings. Kohli’s ability to chase down targets and anchor the innings makes him a linchpin in India’s batting lineup. In his previous World Cup appearances, Kohli has played 26 games, scoring two centuries and averaging 46.81. With his exceptional consistency and remarkable batting prowess, Kohli is a player who can single-handedly change the course of a match.
2. Babar Azam – Pakistan
As the No. 1-ranked batter in the ODI format, Babar Azam is a linchpin in Pakistan’s top order. His impeccable technique, balanced approach, and poise at the crease make him a formidable force in world cricket. With an average of over 58 and a strike rate close to 90, Babar Azam is a master of both accumulation and acceleration. He holds the distinction of being the fastest batter to reach 5,000 ODI runs, achieving this milestone in just 97 innings. At the previous World Cup in 2019, he averaged a staggering 67.71, including an unbeaten century and three half-centuries. Babar Azam’s ability to consistently produce significant innings makes him a player to watch in this tournament.
3. Mitchell Starc – Australia
Mitchell Starc, the tall left-arm paceman, is Australia’s primary weapon with the ball in white-ball cricket. His role at the start of powerplays is to deliver full, swinging deliveries that bring all modes of dismissal into play. Starc played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2015 World Cup victory, finishing as the Player of the Tournament with 22 wickets. In the 2019 edition, he continued his World Cup heroics with 27 wickets, despite Australia’s semifinal exit. Starc’s aggressive style, coupled with his ability to take early breakthroughs, makes him a threat to any opposition. With 49 wickets in just 18 World Cup games at an astounding average of 14.8, Starc’s performance will be closely monitored, especially in Indian conditions.
4. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan, the 36-year-old allrounder, is set to play his fifth World Cup and remains Bangladesh’s premier player in the short formats. As the No. 1 all-rounder in international ODI cricket, Shakib has accumulated over 7,300 runs and claimed more than 300 wickets with his slow left-arm orthodox bowling. His combative approach with both bat and ball sets him apart. Shakib is only the third cricketer to achieve the unique double of scoring 7,000 runs and taking 300 wickets in ODIs, a feat previously accomplished by Sanath Jayasuriya and Shahid Afridi. In the last World Cup, he finished third on the run-scoring charts with 606 runs at an astonishing average of over 86.5, including two centuries and five half-centuries. His ability to perform consistently under pressure makes him a key player for Bangladesh.
5. Bas de Leede – Netherlands
As one of the players representing the Associate nations, Bas de Leede is a cricketer to watch out for. The 23-year-old all-rounder from the Netherlands has already made waves in ODI cricket. His remarkable 5-52 with the ball and a century (123 off 92 balls) while batting at No. 4 against Scotland played a pivotal role in Netherlands’ qualification for the World Cup. Bas de Leede’s exceptional performance placed him in an elite category alongside cricketing legends like Viv Richards, as he became only the third player to achieve the rare feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in a one-day international. With a cricketing lineage (his father, Tim de Leede, played in three World Cups), Bas de Leede is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for the Netherlands.
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As the ICC World Cup 2023 unfolds in the cricket-crazy nation of India, these five players, among others, are expected to create moments of brilliance and capture the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. Whether it’s through centuries, wickets, or match-winning performances, these players have the potential to leave an indelible mark on the grandest stage of ODI cricket.