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Bumrah, Starc, Shaheen Excluded As Faf du Plessis Picks Fab 4 Bowlers For WC 2023

image-lnacg4o5Siraj took 6/21 in Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka (AP Photo)

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has identified four standout bowlers to watch closely in the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. These notable names are Mohammed Siraj, Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, and Kuldeep Yadav. 

Siraj, currently ranked as the world's number one ODI bowler, has been in exceptional form. His ability to make the ball move both ways and consistently target the off-stump makes him a formidable presence on any wicket. Boult and Rabada also boast impressive records in one-day cricket, as does Kuldeep.

In light of the expected batting-friendly conditions in India, where the majority of surfaces favor the batters, bowlers will need to produce extraordinary performances to make an impact. Du Plessis acknowledges that success will depend on the nature of the wickets. 

If there is assistance for seam movement, bowlers like Siraj, Boult, and Rabada, with their ability to exploit such conditions, are likely to thrive. On the other hand, when there is some turn on offer, Kuldeep Yadav's ability to spin the ball both ways could prove to be a valuable asset.

"I think it depends on the wickets. You know, if the wicket has got something in it, someone like Siraj who just nibbles the ball a little bit both ways, and he’s trying the off stump the whole time. Boult and Rabada, all those kinds of guys are going to be extremely successful. But if there is a little bit of spin, you know, someone like Kuldeep has bowled really well in the last six months," the former Proteas captain as quoted by Star Sports.

"When he gets his tail up and he gets one wicket, you know, the next batter’s coming in, he's quite tricky to face his first few balls because he spins the ball both ways," Faf du Plessis added.

Notably, du Plessis did not mention prominent bowlers like Mitchell Starc, renowned for his success in past World Cups, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, or Pakistan's rising star Shaheen Afridi. The omission of these top-class bowlers underscores the depth and quality of bowlers participating in the mega event.

The ODI World Cup 2023 promises intense competition as ten teams vie for the coveted trophy. The ten-team tournament is scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. The biggest festival in cricket will kick off in Ahmedabad on October 5, with the defending champions, England, facing the runners-up, New Zealand, in the opening match.