Following the conclusion of the ODI World Cup 2023, former South African batting legend AB de Villiers has unveiled his 'Team of the Tournament' on his YouTube channel.
De Villiers' elite team comprises five players from Indian team and just one from South Africa's side. At the forefront of the opening order stands Australia's Travis Head, who etched his name into tournament history with a match-winning knock of 137 runs off 120 balls against India in the final. Partnering Head is India's explosive captain, Rohit Sharma. Sharma provided solid starts in every match, accumulating an impressive 597 runs at an average of 54.27 and playing a pivotal role in Team India's undefeated run until the final.
Occupying the crucial number three position in de Villiers' formidable lineup is Virat Kohli, whose performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. Kohli's staggering 765 runs at a remarkable average of 95.62 eclipsed even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's illustrious 673-run haul from 2003.
New Zealand's young batting sensation, Rachin Ravindra, rightfully claims the fourth spot, having taken the cricketing world by storm with his exceptional feats. As the tournament's leading run-scorer, Ravindra amassed an awe-inspiring 578 runs at an average of 64.22, including three centuries and two fifties. His left-arm spin bowling prowess further enhanced his contributions, adding five crucial wickets to his tally.
Securing the fifth position is Shreyas Iyer, whose consistent brilliance throughout the tournament earned him a well-deserved place in de Villiers' team. Iyer's impressive tally of 530 runs in eleven innings, achieved at an outstanding average of 66.25, included three fifty-plus scores and two centuries.
The versatile all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, instrumental in Australia's title-winning campaign, rightfully occupies the sixth spot. Maxwell's remarkable centuries against the Netherlands and Afghanistan, the former being the fastest-ever in the tournament's history and the latter being the only double century scored while chasing, underscore his pivotal role in Australia's success.
Ravindra Jadeja rightfully earns the seventh spot in de Villiers' exceptional lineup. The all-rounder played a pivotal role in India's commanding run throughout the tournament, claiming 16 wickets and scoring at an impressive average of over 40.
The eighth position is secured by Adam Zampa, Australia's skillful leg-spinner, who concluded the tournament with an outstanding haul of 23 wickets in eleven games. This remarkable achievement places him alongside Muttiah Muralitharan as the spinner with the most wickets in a single edition of the ODI World Cup.
South Africa's 23-year-old pace sensation, Gerald Coetzee, occupies the ninth spot, having made an indelible mark in his debut World Cup. Despite South Africa's semifinal loss to Australia, Coetzee's late burst in the game showcased his talent and dedication, finishing the tournament with an impressive 20 wickets at an average of 19.80. This performance sets a new record for the most wickets by a South African in their debut ICC Men's World Cup.
Emerging as a revelation for Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka secures the tenth spot, demonstrating remarkable strength and determination. The left-arm pacer spearheaded Sri Lanka's bowling attack, picking up an impressive 21 wickets at an average of 25.00.
Finally, the eleventh spot is claimed by Mohammad Shami, who concluded the tournament as the highest wicket-taker with an outstanding tally of 24 wickets from seven games. This remarkable feat solidifies his position as one of the most potent bowlers in the tournament.
AB De Villiers squad of ODI World Cup 2023: Travis Head, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rachin Ravindra, Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Ravindra Jadeja, Adam Zampa, Dilshan Madushanka, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammad Shami
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