Top 5 Indian Young Players To Watch Out For In ODI World Cup 2023
Shubman Gill has slammed six international centuries in 2023 [AP]
The world is just a few weeks from witnessing one of the most anticipated tournaments, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The World Cup holds a prestigious legacy and will be played in India, featuring ten nations who will battle it out for the coveted trophy that is in possession of England.
The soon-to-begin tournament will see players from all over the globe fight for on-field supremacy, where cricketers ranking from old to young will be in act, displaying skills with bat and ball.
As hosts, India have been touted as a clear favourite and have already named a strong 15-member squad for the showpiece event.
Led by Rohit Sharma, Team India has a perfect blend of the old guards, and youngsters, who will be eager to perform on the field, and ensure fans have a celebratory night on November 19.
In this article, we list down five young Indian players, who could outshine their peers, and seniors in the World Cup.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill in action [AP]
The flavour of 2023, India's Shuhman Gill has been on a steep rise in international cricket. Gill despite having a decent start last year, has been in a purple patch across formats for India, scoring hundreds at will.
The 23-year-old is being foreshadowed as the next batting superstar, which could very well come true in the ICC World Cup, which will take place in his home county. Gill, who is technically quite apt to playing on bouncy and spinning tracks, has a few issues to solve heading into the tournament, will be eager to make his year his own, and stake claim to ODI batting dominance.
| Matches | Runs | 100s | 50s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 33 | 1,7739 | 5 | 8 |
| In 2023 | 18 | 1,052 | 4 | 4 |
Mohammad Siraj
Mohammed Siraj claimed 6-for in Asia Cup 2023 Final [X.com]
Mohammad Siraj's climb in ODI cricket has been staggering having made his debut in 2019. In the absence of star bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, Siraj has blossomed and left a mark on the international stage with his bowling.
The hi-the-deck pacer has grown leaps and bounces this season, claiming wickets bowling on flat conditions while being on the economical side. The 29-year-old lanky bowler can extract bounce on Indian pitches, which could provide them that lethal edge over batters. However, Siraj needs to be aware of his drawbacks, where the RCB players have been guilty of leaking runs when met with an attacking batsman.
| Matches | Wickets | 5-fors | 4-fors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 29 | 53 | 1 | 2 |
| In 2023 | 13 | 29 | 1 | 2 |
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan starred for India in Asia Cup Group A match against Pak [X.com]
With India still figuring out their best middle order, Ishan Kishan's place in the squad becomes highly essential. The wicketkeeper-batter is also the backup option to KL Rahul and is being preferred ahead of Sanju Samson. Kishan has had a mixed bag this year, having both high and low scores.
The youngster's temperament against spinners has often been questioned while his strokeplay remains eye-catching. Off-late, the 25-year-old has shown signs of maturity and growth, Kishan could easily be played as a floater in the XI. The MI batter adds depth to India's batting prowess, and can bat from positions 1 to 5, apart from being a left-handed option.
| Matches | Runs | 100s | 50s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 23 | 837 | 1 | 7 |
| In 2023 | 13 | 360 | 0 | 4 |
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav finished Asia Cup 2023 with nine wickets [X.com]
After a slump in form and time outside Team India, spinner Kuldeep Yadav's second run in international cricket has left batters bewildered. Yadav has been a revelation this season, supplying India with an attacking wicket-taking option who can rattle any opponent during the course of the match.
The Delhi Capitals' (DC) player has worked on his action and has become a mystery for batters with his left-arm leg spin. The 28-year-old has added more rotations on the ball while delivering, which gives him that extra pace and purchase of the track, which the bowler was lacking for the past few years.
| Matches | Wickets | 5-fors | 4-fors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 89 | 150 | 2 | 7 |
| In 2023 | 16 | 31 | 1 | 2 |
Axar Patel
Axar Patel plays a shot during the Asia Cup [AP]
All-rounder Axar Patel is a vital cog in India's World Cup scheme of things. Patel is known for being a Ravindra Jadeja understudy, whose presence ensures India can be either an extra batter or bowler in the XI. Patel's ability to bat under pressure and absorb tensions is slowly and steadily becoming a USP of the all-rounder.
The batting has excelled in the past, which ranges from being both attacking and defensive, however, the bowling still remains a worry. The highly-disciplined bowler relies on the surface to claim wickets, which could become a setback for the 29-year-old.
| Matches | Runs | Wickets | 100s | 50s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 54 | 481 | 59 | 2 | |
| In 2023 | 8 | 132 | 4 |
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