From Babar Azam To Jos Buttler, Here's World Cup 2023's Flop XI So Far

Babar Azam has look a pale shadow of himself in World Cup 2023

The ICC World Cup 2023, currently halfway through, has been nothing short of a cricket spectacle. With legendary players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, and David Warner, among others, setting the pitch ablaze with their exceptional performances, the tournament has kept fans on the edge of their seats.

However, like every World Cup, this edition too has its share of disappointments. Surprisingly, some of the game's most celebrated cricketers have found themselves struggling to keep up with their own lofty standards.

Here’s a look into the 'Flop XI' of World Cup 2023 after the halfway stage:

Jonny Bairstow

The aggressive English opener had a huge task on his shoulders: defending England's World Cup title by getting them off to great starts. However, with just 127 runs in 5 matches at an average of 25.40 and a strike rate of 90.07, Bairstow has had a torrid time. Despite a solitary fifty to his name, his lacklustre form is one of the key reasons behind England's dismal performance this year.

Shubman Gill 

The rising star of Indian cricket, Gill's World Cup dreams hit a hurdle early on as he was sidelined due to dengue. On his return, he managed only 92 runs in three games, averaging 31.67 with a strike rate of 97.94. His singular fifty hasn't been enough to make up for the much-anticipated fireworks from his bat, especially considering his scintillating form this year.

Babar Azam

Currently holding the No. 1 spot in the ODI rankings, Babar's 157 runs in five matches come as a surprise. Averaging 31.40 and striking at 79.70, he has surely failed to replicate his usually consistent and explosive style, leading to Pakistan's roller-coaster journey in the tournament.

Steve Smith

Known for his quirky techniques and impeccable ability to score under pressure, Smith's World Cup 2023 campaign has been a forgettable one. With just 143 runs in five matches, averaging 28.60 and a strike rate of 84.62, Smith's uncharacteristic form has left many in shock.

Jos Buttler (c/wk)

The swashbuckling English batsman and skipper had the dual responsibility of leading the team’s title defense and bringing out his explosive style of batting. Unfortunately, he's mustered only 95 runs in five matches, averaging a dismal 19.00 and striking at 114.46. His captaincy has also come under scrutiny given England's poor show. He is also the captain of our World Cup 2023’s Flop XI.

Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh's captain was one of the stars in the 2019 World Cup, but 2023 hasn't been kind to him. Scoring an abysmal 56 runs in 4 matches at an average of 14.00 and a low strike rate of 67.47, Shakib's form with the bat has been underwhelming. His bowling hasn't offered solace either, as he's picked up only six wickets at an average of 37.00 and an economy rate of 5.54.

Shadab Khan

A crucial cog in Pakistan's line-up, Shadab Khan came into this World Cup as an established all-rounder. Unfortunately, his form has seen a dip with 74 runs in three innings from four matches, averaging 24.67 and a strike rate of 96.10. What's more concerning are his bowling figures. With only two scalps to his name and an average of 90.00, Khan has struggled to fulfill his all-rounder duties.

Adil Rashid

The English leg-spinner, known for bamboozling the best in the business, has had a tough time adapting to the Indian conditions. In five matches, Rashid has managed only six wickets at an average of 38.50 and an economy rate of 5.54. These figures suggest that he has neither been penetrative nor restrictive.

Haris Rauf

Rauf, known for his lethal pace and ability to pick up wickets, has a decent tally of eight wickets in five matches. However, a closer look reveals that he has been expensive. His inability to contain runs and apply pressure has hurt his team's plans on numerous occasions.

Mark Wood

The English speedster has been a shadow of his usual self. With just 3 wickets in 5 matches and an average of 77.67, his form has been a concern. His economy rate of 6.66 further underlines his struggles in the mega event.

Taskin Ahmed

Bangladesh's senior pacer came into the World Cup with a lot of expectations. However, with just two wickets in three matches, an average of 63.00, and an economy rate of 6.30, Ahmed has failed to provide the initial breakthroughs or contain runs in the middle overs.

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