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The forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023, slated to unfold in India later this year, is poised to showcase the talents of numerous exceptional players. From the top-ranked team to the number one batter, from the leading bowler to the premier all-rounder, the tournament will bring together cricket’s finest.
Babar Azam and Mitchell Starc miss the cut
Virender Sehwag, the former Indian batting maestro and World Cup winner in 2011, has recently unveiled his ideal ODI XI for the 2023 World Cup. Surprisingly, despite their rankings, Babar Azam, ICC’s number one ODI batter from Pakistan, and Australia’s Mitchell Starc, the second-ranked ODI bowler, failed to secure a spot.
Also READ: Shikhar Dhawan unveils initial 5 picks for his dream ODI XI; two Indians make the cut
Sehwag reveals his top five picks for the dream XI
During a conversation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Sehwag handpicked three Indian cricketers, alongside one Australian and one New Zealander, for his dream team. The 44-year-old first selection was India’s current captain across all formats, Rohit Sharma, renowned for his explosive batting. Sharma left an indelible mark in the 2019 World Cup, accumulating a record-breaking five centuries and a total of 648 runs.
Sehwag’s second choice was none other than the legendary Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of cricket’s all-time great batters. Kohli’s incredible tally of 46 centuries in the 50-over format leaves him a mere four tons away from surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s iconic record of 49 centuries.
To accompany Rohit in the batting lineup, Sehwag included Australia‘s dynamic opener, David Warner, who is presumably participating in his final ODI World Cup. Warner boasts a repertoire of world titles in various formats and is regarded as one of Australia’s premier openers.
Sehwag’s subsequent pick hails from neighbouring New Zealand, where Glenn Phillips has rapidly risen to prominence. Despite having played in just 16 ODIs, Phillips has garnered recognition, particularly in the T20 format, owing to his explosive batting and agility in the field.
The final slot in the Najafgarh-born cricketer’s XI is reserved for the lone bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah was India’s standout bowler in the preceding World Cup edition hosted by England. Despite grappling with a back issue, Bumrah is making a triumphant return, recently featuring in a T20I series in Ireland and joining India’s 2023 Asia Cup campaign. Cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness whether the Indian speedster can replicate his past World Cup heroics in the upcoming tournament.
“They are all talented players and perform well in ODI cricket and they can win the games on their own shoulders. Whenever they click, their team will win,” Sehwag was quoted as saying by the ICC.
