Top 5 Players Who Will Play ODI World Cup For First Time In 2023
Mohammed Siraj and Shubman Gill with Virat Kohli. (X.com)
As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 draws nearer, excitement among cricket enthusiasts is rapidly mounting. The tournament is scheduled to commence on October 5 in India, and fans are eagerly anticipating this grand spectacle. This edition marks the 13th iteration of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the first one hosted in India since 2011. The 50-over World Cup is slated to run from October 5 to November 19 in India. The tournament will feature a total of 48 matches, including the semifinals and final, spread across 10 cities. Each team will engage in nine matches before proceeding to the knockout phase in a round-robin format.
While numerous players will bid farewell to their World Cup careers this year, there are also those who will make their debut in the upcoming ODI World Cup. In this article, we will spotlight five players participating in their inaugural 50-over World Cup.
5) Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj. (X.com)
Siraj stands out as one of the most improved white-ball bowlers in international cricket since his debut for India. Previously known for conceding runs generously, Siraj has undergone a remarkable transformation and emerged as India's leading wicket-taker in ODIs for the year 2023. His remarkable progress now showcases his mastery and consistent performance in this format. His ODI journey commenced in January 2019, during India's tour of Australia in the 2018-19 season. Across 26 matches, the right-arm pacer has demonstrated his prowess by claiming 46 wickets at an economy rate of 4.86. His sustained good form and rhythm have essentially solidified his position in India's starting XI for the upcoming mega event.
4) Travis Head
Travis Head. (X.com)
With Aaron Finch's retirement, Australia faced the challenge of finding a suitable opening partner for David Warner. Travis Head appears to have solidified this position, displaying promise in the limited opportunities he's received. His playing style and aggressive approach could prove vital during the powerplay for the Australian team. From 2018 to 2022, Head rarely assumed the role of an opener in his ODI career. However, since 2022, he has consistently performed in this capacity.
Across 22 innings as Australia's opener, Head has accumulated an impressive 1045 runs, boasting an average of 49.76 and a strike rate of 108.29. Notably, he has notched three centuries during this period. Head's hallmark is his raw aggression and fearless attitude, as he takes on bowlers regardless of the conditions or match situation. What sets him apart is his ability to maintain this attacking style even in challenging circumstances, making him an invaluable asset for the Australian team.
3) Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf. (X.com)
Rauf has emerged as a crucial asset for Pakistan's limited-overs cricket with his lightning pace and impeccable control over runs. Having represented his nation in ODIs since 2020, Rauf has impressively snatched 53 wickets from 27 matches, boasting an average of 23.81 and an economy rate of 5.85. On home soil in Pakistan, the speedster has accounted for 26 wickets in 16 ODIs at an economy rate of 5.61.
This suggests that Rauf's skills could prove impactful in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, considering the similar playing conditions in India and Pakistan. In the current year, the 29-year-old has continued to shine in One-Day matches. From a total of twelve games this year, Rauf has scalped an impressive 24 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 5.96, even securing his maiden five-wicket haul. Rauf's versatility, including his ability to deliver lethal short balls and pinpoint yorkers, makes him a formidable challenge for any batsman to face.
2) Devon Conway
Devon Conway, (X.com)
At the age of 32, Conway has emerged as a prominent force at the top of New Zealand's cricket lineup, boasting an impressive track record in all three formats of the game. This left-handed batsman made his international debut in 2020 and has since become a reliable performer for the Black Caps, consistently ranking among the world's best in all formats. In ODIs, Conway has excelled, amassing a total of 844 runs at an outstanding average of 52.75 across 18 innings. His performance this year has been nothing short of brilliant, as he has already scored 419 runs at an impressive average of 69.83, with a strike rate of 101.9.
What sets Conway apart is his ability to thrive in challenging conditions. He has achieved centuries in England, India, and Pakistan, which are renowned for being tough environments for touring batsmen. As an ODI opener, he shoulders one of the most demanding roles in cricket. However, he possesses the versatility to adapt to various game situations, making him a valuable asset for New Zealand.
1) Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill. (X.com)
Gill has been in outstanding form in ODIs leading up to the 2023 World Cup. The right-handed batter has been in phenomenal touch, accumulating 750 runs across 12 matches this year, boasting an impressive average of 68.18 with the help of three centuries and two half-centuries.
In the upcoming World Cup, Gill is expected to partner with captain Rohit Sharma at the top for Team India. Playing on home turf provides Gill with a notable advantage, considering the tournament's location. His track record on home soil in his brief international career speaks volumes, having amassed 704 runs in 12 ODIs at home, with an impressive average of 64 and a strike rate of 113. This favorable setting could be the stage for Gill to truly announce his prowess. The stylish young opener has the opportunity to make a significant impact in his first appearance on the global stage during the mega event.
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