2023 was a good year for the ODI format. With the T20 format taking over, many were doubtful about how the 2023 ODI World Cup will perform. However, it was a massive success and was watched by many across the globe. The earlier years did not have a great sample size to decide the ODI XI. However, 2023 was a good year in this regard. There were a lot of ODIs that happened in 2023. On that note, here, we take a look at the best ODI XI of 2023.
Openers: Rohit Sharma (C) and Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be the openers in the best ODI XI of 2023. As for Gill, it was a breakthrough year for him in this format. For a long time, he stayed at the top of ICC’s ODI batting charts. Although Rohit Sharma’s form was not great for some time, in the World Cup, he was at his best. Hence, the Indian duo is here.
Middle-Order: Virat Kohli, Daryl Mitchell, KL Rahul and Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
Virat Kohli was the highest run-getter at the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is the obvious choice at No.3. Daryl Mitchell scored more than 1200 runs and his strike rate was above 100. Hence, he plays at No.4.
KL Rahul had his comeback year in 2023. At No.5, he was excellent for India in ODIs. Klaasen, too, had a solid year, scoring 927 runs. Yes, there were better run-getters than him but the South African cricketers operated at a strike rate of 140. Hence, at No.6, we did not have a better choice than the cricketer.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Adam Zampa
There are no genuine all-rounders in the best ODI XI of 2023. While Ravindra Jadeja comes close, his batting returns were not great and hence, we do not have him in this squad. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav and Adam Zampa dominated the charts. While Kuldeep took 49 wickets, Zampa got 38 scalps.
Jasprit Bumrah had a great year but he had to miss out when you take the whole year. Shaheen Afridi took 42 wickets and he opens the bowling here. Siraj and Shami were in top form and will complete the bowling attack of this XI.
