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The year 2023 witnessed a gripping T20I action and emerged as the glittering jewel for cricket enthusiasts, showcasing the brilliance of players from various nations. From Suryakumar Yadav‘s pyrotechnics to Mitchell Santner‘s spin wizardry, the year was a canvas of enthralling performances, treating fans to an exciting cricketing spectacle.
As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s take a closer look at the best T20I XI of the year, featuring standout performers from different corners of the cricketing world.
Best T20I XI of 2023
The dazzling opening pair
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive style was on full display in the 15 T20I matches he played in 2023, amassing an impressive 430 runs, including a century and three fifties, at a striking strike rate of 159.25. His dynamic approach sets the stage for explosive starts.
2. Shubman Gill: With 312 runs in 13 matches, Shubman Gill is the perfect partner for Jaiswal. His classical strokes and ability to capitalize on powerplays make him a reliable force at the top, culminating in one century and fifty during the year 2023.
The power-packed middle-order
3. Suryakumar Yadav (c): Suryakumar Yadav, leading the team in some crucial assignments, emerged as the third-highest run-scorer in T20Is with a staggering 733 runs, featuring two centuries and five fifties. His leadership skills during the series against Australia and South Africa were stellar and solidified his role as captain.
4. Tim Seifert: New Zealand’s Tim Seifert contributed significantly in the middle-order, scoring 401 runs in 13 T20Is with three fifties. His ability to stabilize and add firepower makes him a crucial asset to the team.
5. Travis Head: Despite featuring in just six matches, Aussie batter Travis Head showcased his ability to build innings quickly, scoring an impressive 209 runs. His knack for providing a surge in the middle overs makes him an ideal fit for the third position.
6. Phil Salt (wk): Phil Salt, in scintillating form for England, left an indelible mark on the T20I format in 2023, smashing 394 runs with two consecutive centuries against a formidable West Indies team. His prowess behind the stumps solidifies his position as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter.
Also READ: From Virat Kohli to Adam Zampa – Best ODI XI of the year 2023
Impactful All-rounders
7. Mark Chapman: Mark Chapman proved his worth as an all-rounder, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. With an impressive 567 runs in T20Is, his ability to change the course of the game at any point and his handy spin bowling make him a valuable asset.
8. Sikandar Raza: Sikandar Raza’s influential all-round performances dominated T20Is in 2023. With 515 runs and 17 wickets in 12 matches, his wicket-taking abilities and crucial contributions with the bat make him an indispensable part of the XI.
9. Mitchell Santner: Mitchell Santner, a spin maestro, bagged 16 wickets for the Blackcaps in T20Is during 2023. His ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to the lower order, making him a vital asset.
The fiery pace duo
10. Arshdeep Singh: India’s Arshdeep Singh wreaked havoc in the opposition camps during 2023, securing 26 wickets in 21 T20 appearances. His exceptional bowling skills make him one of the top bowlers for India in the format.
11. Alzarri Joseph: Alzarri Joseph’s precision bowling was on another level in 2023, bagging an impressive 16 wickets in just nine matches. His ability to leave batters with no answers showcases his prowess in the bowling department.
