Top 5 Players to Watch Out For in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023

The much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled to kick off in the month of October. The first match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where the two finalists from last year, England and New Zealand will lock horns against each other. The venues for the knockout games and semi-final have been announced. The final is set to be hosted by Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. India will play their first match of the tournament against Australia at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on October 8.

The ODI World Cup 2023 fixture between India and Pakistan is set to take place on October 15. However, as per reports, the match could be rescheduled on 14 October due to the auspicious festival of Navratri. Every World Cup produces a few players that stand out and ensure that their names are recalled for a very long time. However, this World Cup will not be an exception. There will not be any flaws, and whoever wins the game by performing well will have their name heard for the next ten years, if not longer.

Top 5 players to watch out for in the 2023 Cricket World Cup

1. Babar Azam (Pakistan):

The Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam is holding the number one position in ODIs for the past two years. He made his ODI debut in May 2015 against Zimbabwe. He has played eight World Cup matches and scored 474 runs with an exceptional average of 67.71. Babar is the main player and possible game-changer in the One-Day International World Cup, so as the tournament gets near, all eyes will be on him. His exceptional batting ability and desire for runs make him a remarkable player.

2. Pat Cummins (Australia):

In international cricket, Australia’s fast bowler Pat Cummins has proven to be a strong foe. His ability to generate enormous speed and bounce off any surface makes him a true match-winner. Cummins has consistently presented batters with a challenge in all formats thanks to his flawless line and length control. Given that Cummins won the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award, his accomplishments are obvious. He can swing the ball both ways and has a lethal bouncer that can intimidate even the best batters.

3. Devon Conway (New Zealand):

For New Zealand in all three formats, Devon Conway has emerged as the key player. The left-hander is adaptable and can bat for his team in a variety of spots. In the T20Is, Conway has been opening the batting for his team. In case it is necessary, he can bat through the middle. Conway played well for his national team earlier this year and had a great Indian Premier League season. He will be expected to carry his form into the World Cup, something New Zealand will be hoping for.

4. Sam Curran (England):

Star England all-rounder, Sam Curran”s career is at its peak. Despite being too young, the left-arm speedster has already made a name for himself in international cricket. Curran will emerge as the opponent’s biggest challenge because of his bowling and batting skills. Other teams would want to be mindful of taking Curran lightly given his current form. He was awarded the Player of the Tournament in 20-20 World Cup 2022 which took place in Australia.

5. Shubman Gill (India):

Star India batter, Shubman Gill is considered as one of the greatest openers in the modern era. He came into the limelight when he scored a double-century against New Zealand in Hyderabad. In 2023, Gill has played nine matches so far, in which he has scored 624 runs with three tons and a half-century at a marvellous strike rate of 117.51. He has scored 1311 runs with four centuries and five fifties in 24 ODIs at a strike rate of 107.10. He also became the fastest Indian to complete the 1000-run mark in the 50-over format.

Also Read: Here are the Top 5 Opening Pairs in ODIs in the Modern Era