Shaheen Over Bumrah, Rizwan In; Here's Harsha Bhogle's ODI Dream Team Of 2023
Harsha Bhogle picks his "ODI Team of the Year" 2023.(x.com)
Voice of Cricket and renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle recently unveiled his much-anticipated ODI Dream Team for the year 2023. The selection, highlighted by some stellar performers, took the cricket world by storm as it omitted Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah.
Bhogle's top picks for the opening duo were none other than India's masterful Rohit Sharma and the rising star Shubman Gill. Their outstanding performances played a pivotal role in India's journey to the ICC World Cup 2023 final. Gill, particularly, stood out, clinching the title of the leading run-scorer in ODIs for 2023.
There were no surprises at the crucial No. 3 spot as Bhogle placed Virat Kohli, the linchpin of the Indian batting lineup. Kohli's stellar form throughout the year, culminating in being the leading run-getter in the ICC World Cup, cemented his place in Bhogle's dream team.
South African batsman Aiden Markram found his place in Bhogle's XI, having amassed a remarkable 1033 runs in the year. Markram not only showcased his batting prowess but also contributed with the ball, adding valuable dimensions to his team's performance.
Bhogle entrusted the wicketkeeping duties to Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan, who emerged as his country's leading run-scorer in ODIs for 2023 with an impressive tally of 1023 runs. Heinrich Klaasen, with 927 runs to his name, secured his spot as the second wicketkeeper-batsman in Bhogle's lineup.
The sole all-rounder in the Dream Team was India's Ravindra Jadeja. His exceptional all-round skills, contributing with both bat and ball, earned him a well-deserved spot. Partnering Jadeja in the spin department was Kuldeep Yadav, the leading wicket-taker in ODIs for 2023.
Bhogle's pace trio featured the lethal combination of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi. Shami, with 43 wickets in just 19 games, showcased his prowess, while Siraj's 44 wickets made him a formidable force. Afridi, with 42 wickets to his name, contributed significantly to Pakistan's success.
A surprising twist in Bhogle's Dream XI was the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Despite Bumrah's exceptional performance with 28 wickets in 17 games, Bhogle cited his extended injury period as the reason for his exclusion, leaving fans intrigued.
Harsha Bhogle's ODI Team of 2023
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Aden Markram, Mohammad Rizwan, Henrik Klaassen, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shaheen Afridi.
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