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The year 2023 stood witness to an extraordinary exhibition of cricketing prowess in the ODI format, as players worldwide showcased their exceptional skills, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.
Rohit Sharma leads the charge
Now the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2023, recognizing outstanding individuals who made significant contributions to the sport. Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricketing maestro, has been bestowed with the captaincy, entrusted with leading a formidable lineup that boasts the presence of six Indian players, along with two Australians, two South Africans, and one from New Zealand.
No place for Jasprit Bumrah
Despite the notable achievements of Indian bowling star Jasprit Bumrah, including an impressive average of 20 and an excellent economy rate of 4.40, it comes as a surprise that he did not secure a coveted spot in the final eleven. The absence of Bumrah, a linchpin in India’s bowling arsenal, adds an element of intrigue to the composition of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2023.
ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2023
1. Rohit Sharma (India)
In the dynamic landscape of ODI cricket in 2023, Rohit emerged as a beacon of consistency and leadership. As the captain of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year, Rohit showcased his batting prowess in 27 matches, accumulating an impressive 1255 runs at an average of 52.29 and a striking strike rate of 117.07.
2. Shubman Gill (India)
Partnering him at the top is the young sensation Shubman Gill, who played 29 games, scoring a remarkable 1584 runs at an average of 63.36, boasting a striking strike rate of 105.45. This opening duo proved to be a formidable force, setting the stage for India’s ODI dominance.
3. Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head‘s stellar performances in 2023, particularly during the 50-over World Cup in India, etched his name in cricketing glory. Head’s standout moment came in the semi-final against South Africa, where he played a crucial role, scoring a half-century and picking two wickets, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. His crowning achievement, however, was a breathtaking 137 in the final against India, propelling Australia to a historic sixth World Cup title.
4. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli, a stalwart of Indian cricket, continued his run-scoring spree in 2023. With 1377 runs in the calendar year, Kohli displayed unwavering consistency, reaching three figures on six occasions. His remarkable feat of breaking Sachin Tendulkar‘s record for the most centuries in the 40-over format became a cornerstone of India’s World Cup campaign, earning him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.
Also READ: Top 4 nominees for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023
5. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell emerged as a batting powerhouse in 2023, amassing a total of 1204 runs with an average of 52.34 and an eye-catching strike rate exceeding 100. Mitchell’s standout performances came in the 50-over World Cup, where he scored impressive knocks of 130 and 134 in encounters against India. His ability to deliver under pressure made him a crucial asset for the Kiwis throughout the year.
6. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
Heinrich Klaasen, donning the wicketkeeper’s gloves, showcased his dynamic skills both with the bat and behind the stumps. His memorable innings included a stellar 174 against Australia and a commanding 109 in a victory over England during the World Cup. Klaasen’s sound performances made him an indispensable asset, earning him the wicketkeeper’s spot in the ICC ODI Team of the Year.
7. Marco Jansen (South Africa)
Earning the all-rounder spot in the Team of the Year, Marco Jansen showcased his versatility with stellar performances in both batting and bowling throughout the past year. His noteworthy contributions came to the fore during crucial encounters, especially at the World Cup. Jansen not only displayed his batting prowess with a quickfire 47 but also left an indelible mark with a maiden five-wicket haul against Australia in September. His consistent performances propelled South Africa to an impressive run to the semi-finals in the World Cup, establishing Jansen as a key player for his team.
8. Adam Zampa (Australia)
Adam Zampa emerged as a pivotal figure in Australia’s successful World Cup campaign, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker (23 wickets) in the tournament. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure was evident as he impressively collected a trio of four-wicket hauls in consecutive games during the backend of 2023. Zampa’s crucial contributions with the ball played a significant role in Australia’s triumph, showcasing his skill and effectiveness as a premier spinner.
9. Mohammed Siraj (India)
Mohammed Siraj had a standout year, making significant strides as a pace bowler for India. His impressive tally of 44 wickets in 2023 showcased his ability to consistently trouble opposition batters. The defining moment came in the final of the Asia Cup 2023, where Siraj’s lethal bowling single-handedly dismantled Sri Lanka‘s strong batting lineup. His career-best figures of 6/21 not only secured India’s victory in the Asia Cup final but also marked a turning point in Siraj’s career, instilling confidence as he entered the home World Cup campaign.
10. Kuldeep Yadav (India)
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as a leading wicket-taker globally in ODI cricket in 2023, finishing the year with an imposing total of 49 scalps. His crafty left-arm spin proved to be a constant threat for opposition batters, and his standout performance came against arch-rivals Pakistan during the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. Kuldeep’s exceptional figures of 5/25 played a pivotal role in India’s successful journey to clinch the Asia Cup title, showcasing his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
11. Mohammed Shami (India)
The experienced right-armer, Mohammed Shami, left an indelible mark in 2023 with a remarkable haul of four five-wicket hauls. His consistent match-winning exploits with the ball culminated in a historic spell of 7/57 against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final in Mumbai – the best figures for an Indian Men’s player in ODI history. Shami’s ability to deliver under high-pressure situations and his stellar performances make him a well-deserved member of the ODI Team of the Year, reinforcing his stature as a key asset for the Indian cricket team.
