The International Cricket Council (ICC) on January 4 announced the nominees for the 2023 ODI Cricketer of the Year award with three Indians and one New Zealand star securing a place in the final four. Maverick batter Virat Kohli, rising superstar Shubman Gill, swashbuckling batter Daryl Mitchell and lethal fast bowler Mohammed Shami complete the four nominees for the glittering award. All aforementioned four players had an excellent 2023 and helped their teams win several matches with their stupendous display.
2023 proved to be a breakthrough year for Shubman Gill in international cricket, especially in the One Day International (ODI) format. Demonstrating remarkable skill and consistency, Gill amassed an impressive 1584 runs throughout the year, boasting an average of 63.36. His performances signified his emergence as a significant player on the global cricket stage.
In parallel, Virat Kohli continued to enhance his legacy with a phenomenal year. Building on his resurgence in 2022, Kohli reached new heights in 2023, particularly in ODIs. His outstanding form was highlighted by his recognition as the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Kohli's year was marked by a tally of 1377 runs at an average of 72.47, including six centuries and eight half-centuries across 24 innings.
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell also had a standout year in ODIs. His total of 1204 runs in 2023 positioned him as the third-highest run-scorer in a calendar year for a New Zealand player in this format. Mitchell's impressive run-scoring spree reflected his top form and significant contribution to his team's success.
Mohammed Shami, another key player for India, turned his year around remarkably in the latter half of 2023. After a relatively average start to the year, Shami peaked during the Cricket World Cup, where he played a pivotal role for India. Despite missing the initial matches of the tournament, Shami made a formidable comeback into the playing XI. His exceptional bowling saw him finish as the tournament's highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets at an extraordinary average of 10.7.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Michael Vaughan snubs David Warner, Steve Smith to declare this player as Australia's greatest cricketer after Bradman
BIG NEWS: David Warner's longtime opening partner announces surprise retirement, walks away at age 37
