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Cricket fans worldwide are already suffering from the fever. They are counting the days as the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will begin on 5 October. New players and veterans forming the top squad in every qualified team are gearing up to give their best on the field. Fans are preparing their lists of Cricket Fantasy teams based on their performances. Let us list ten players to watch in this major event and make the matches more interesting.
Top 5 Debutants of The ICC World Cup 2023
1. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has recently emerged as a formidable opening batsman, captivating cricket enthusiasts with his remarkable double-century against New Zealand in Hyderabad this year. In 2023, Gill has participated in nine matches, amassing 624 runs at an impressive strike rate of 117.51. Anticipation is mounting for his role in the upcoming marquee ODI event on home turf, as the Indian team management has chosen the 23-year-old talent over veteran Shikhar Dhawan to lead the innings. Gill’s outstanding record of 1311 runs in 24 ODIs, including four centuries and five half-centuries at a strike rate of 107.10, cements his position as a rising star in white-ball cricket.
2. Travis Head
Travis Head has been handed the responsibility of opening the innings for Australia in the 2023 World Cup. He recently earned the admiration of Australian cricket fans with his outstanding batting performance in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against India at the Oval, London. Following his stellar performance in that crucial match, the Australian team management expects him to play a pivotal role in Australia’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. With Aaron Finch’s retirement, captain Pat Cummins has entrusted Head with the opening slot in Australia’s last two ODI series against England and India.
3. Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf plays a vital role in Pakistan’s formidable fast-bowling arsenal. Over the past three years, he has consistently showcased his significance in the national ODI squad with his disciplined bowling. Since his ODI debut 2020, Rauf has impressively secured 39 wickets in 22 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 5.85. His performance in Pakistan has been commendable, with 20 wickets in 14 ODIs at an economy rate of 5.83. This year, the 29-year-old has contributed to his team’s success in One-Day matches, claiming ten wickets in seven games with a stunning economy rate of 5.96.
4. Cameron Green
Cameron Green possesses the explosive batting prowess to dismantle any bowling attack. His memorable unbeaten 89-run innings against New Zealand is a testament to his destructive abilities with the bat. So far, Green’s performance in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) has been respectable. Wearing the Australian colors, Green has amassed 302 runs in 15 ODIs, averaging an impressive strike rate of 88.82. In the 2023 World Cup, Australia intends to deploy him in the lower-middle-order, tasked with finishing games akin to the legendary Michael Bevan’s role in the 2003 World Cup.
5. Mohammad Siraj
Mohammed Siraj stands as a pivotal figure in India’s formidable pace attack. His ODI journey commenced in January 2019 during India’s 2018-19 tour of Australia. In his 24 appearances thus far, the right-arm bowler has impressively claimed 43 wickets at a frugal economy rate of 4.78. In a recent series against Sri Lanka, during their visit to India for three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three ODIs, Siraj’s remarkable performance was showcased in the third One-Day match, where he secured figures of 4/32. His exceptional bowling contributions played a crucial role in India’s 317-run victory, marking India’s most substantial margin of victory against the island nation.
Top 5 Veteran Players to Watch in ICC World Cup 2023
1. Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma boasts an impressive World Cup record with six centuries in 17 innings. His absence from the 2011 World Cup squad due to poor form is a blemish on his career. As he approaches the end of his ODI career, Rohit is determined to clinch the elusive World Cup trophy. He has previously represented India in the T20 World Cup 2007 and the Champions Trophy 2013. He has recently entered the 10,000-run club in the ODI format and will lead the Indian squad.
2. Virat Kohli
One of the world’s top cricketers, Virat Kohli, may extend his career slightly beyond the 2023 World Cup but will unlikely continue until the next mega event in 2027. Kohli, a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, aims to conclude his ODI journey on a high note in 2023. Alongside a few other players in the Indian setup, he might choose to step away from the 50-over format.
3. Joe Root
Joe Root, a 32-year-old member of the current batting elite of the defending champion, will be nearing 37 by the time the next World Cup event arrives. Root’s primary focus now lies in the game’s longer format, and he has begun participating in various T20 leagues worldwide. The evolving dynamics of cricket may also lead to his retirement following the 2023 World Cup.
4. David Warner
Australian opener David Warner had previously indicated his retirement from Test Cricket following the home summer test series against Pakistan. It has intensified speculation regarding the conclusion of Warner’s international career. The 2015 World Cup champion, David Warner, has been a consistent presence in the Australian batting lineup, and he will make every effort to secure cricket’s most coveted trophy in the upcoming World Cup.
5. Trent Boult
The New Zealand fast bowler has chosen not to renew his central contract with the Blackcaps. At 34, Boult focuses on advancing his career by participating in T20 leagues worldwide. While absent from most international fixtures, Boult returns ahead of the World Cup, creating a sense that he might bid farewell to international cricket.
Wrapping Up
These are the top ten players to watch in this mega event. The debutants and veterans will wage wars against the other teams, forming a brilliant squad of experience and energy. Be ready with the list of exciting matches to be held in this event, and mark your calendar. The grace of the ICC World Cup is already upon us.
