Rohit Sharma has been honored as the captain of the ICC ODI Team of the Year, which notably includes five other Indian players like the celebrated Virat Kohli and others. This selection predominantly features players from the World Cup finalists - India, the runner-up, and Australia, the winner - along with key players from semi-finalists New Zealand and South Africa.
The team's top-order batting is bolstered by openers Rohit and Shubman Gill. Rohit, the Indian captain, had an impressive run in the last year, scoring 1,255 runs at an average of 52. Gill's highlight was a remarkable 208 against New Zealand, and he also emerged as the highest run-scorer in ODIs with 1,584 runs.
Slotting in at number three is Australia's Travis Head, who maintained consistency throughout the year and shone brightly during the World Cup, with his 137 in the final being a standout performance.
The middle order is anchored by India's Virat Kohli, followed by Daryl Mitchell, Heinrich Klaasen, and Marco Jansen. Kohli not only finished as the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs with 1,337 runs, including six centuries, but he also broke Sachin Tendulkar's record of the most international tons and clinched the Player of the Tournament award during the World Cup.
New Zealand's Mitchell marked the year with five centuries and a total of 1,204 runs at an impressive average and strike rate. Klaasen's year was highlighted by his match-winning 174 against Australia in Centurion.
The bowling lineup is formidable, featuring Australian Adam Zampa and the Indian trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Shami. Zampa took 38 wickets at an average of 26.31, including a notable performance in the World Cup.
Siraj's exceptional year included 44 wickets, with his best performance being a six-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final. Kuldeep claimed 49 wickets, with his best being a five-wicket haul against Pakistan. Shami was equally dominant, with four five-wicket hauls, the best of which came against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final.
ICC ODI Team of the Year 2023
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Travis Head, Virat Kohli, Daryl Mitchell, Heinrich Klassen (WK), Marco Jansen, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami
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