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Team India are leading the pack into the semifinals of the ODI World Cup 2023, boasting an impeccable record in all nine matches and the cricketing community is abuzz with excitement ahead of the knockout clashes. India will face New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium on November 15 in the first semi-final, while Australia and South Africa will clash at the renowned Eden Gardens the following day in the second semi-final match
In anticipation of the impending semifinals, former cricketing greats Anil Kumble and Matthew Hayden have unveiled their meticulously chosen Best XI from the group stage.
Dynamic openers
For the crucial opening positions, Kumble and Hayden, in a chat with ESPNcricinfo, have settled on the formidable pair of Quinton de Kock and India’s skipper Rohit Sharma. De Kock, displaying his brilliance, has accumulated 593 runs, securing the second-highest run-scorer position in the tournament. Meanwhile, Rohit has been equally impressive, amassing 503 runs in nine matches.
Middle-order mastery
Occupying the third and fourth slots, the cricketing maestros have chosen none other than Virat Kohli and Rachin Ravindra. Kohli, the former Indian captain, leads the tournament’s run-scoring chart with an impressive tally of 594 runs. Ravindra, a rising star for New Zealand, has proven to be a pivotal force with the bat, making significant contributions to the Black Caps’ campaign.
In the middle order, the duo opted for the explosive Glenn Maxwell at number five, acknowledging his breathtaking innings of 201* against Afghanistan. Heinrich Klaasen, despite a recent dip in form, secured his position at number six, reflecting his impactful contributions in the early stages of the tournament.
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Bowling brilliance
The lower order features a formidable bowling lineup with Ravindra Jadeja, Marco Jansen, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Adam Zampa. Jadeja and Jansen have showcased thier all-round brilliance, while Bumrah and Shami’s consistent performances have been a revelation. Zampa, who is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 22 scalps, adds a potent spin dimension to the formidable bowling attack.
Anil Kumble and Matthew Hayden’s World Cup XI:
Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell, Heinrich Klaasen, Ravindra Jadeja, Marco Jansen, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Adam Zampa
