ODI World Cup 2023: Best playing XI of the tournament

The ODI World Cup 2023 concluded with a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Australia clinched their sixth title by defeating India. The tournament showcased remarkable performances from seasoned veterans and budding talents alike. 

As we reflect on the competition, let’s delve into the standout performers who earned a spot in the Best Playing XI. The tournament will be remembered for the stellar performances of these eleven players who showcased their skills and played pivotal roles in their respective teams’ journeys.

1. Rohit Sharma:

Opening the batting, Rohit Sharma displayed his class, scoring consistently and aggressively throughout the tournament. His ability to anchor the innings and leadership skills makes him a crucial asset at the top. He smashed 597 runs in 11 innings and lost only 1 match.

2. Rachin Ravindra:

The young New Zealand batter, Rachin Ravindra, announced his arrival on the global stage with impressive displays. His solid technique and adaptability in Indian conditions earned him a spot as an opener in the Best Playing XI. He was the 4th highest run-scorer of the tournament and also contributed with the ball as well.

3. Virat Kohli:

A stalwart in the Indian batting lineup, Virat Kohli showcased his class with sublime strokeplay and excellent captaincy. Kohli’s ability to stabilise the innings and guide the team in pressure situations solidified his position at number three. He was awarded with Player of the tournament for scoring 765 runs in just 11 innings.

4. Daryl Mitchell:

New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell emerged as a versatile middle-order batter, delivering consistent performances. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play responsible innings under pressure earns him the number four spot in the lineup. His 134-run knock against India in the semi-final will be remembered for a long time.

5. KL Rahul:

India’s KL Rahul was a standout performer, contributing significantly in the middle order. Rahul’s stylish strokeplay and adaptability in different situations make him a valuable asset at number five. He was also exceptionally well behind the wickets as well.

6. Glenn Maxwell:

The Australian all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell, lived up to his reputation as a match-winner. His explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling make him an integral part of the Best Playing XI.

7. Azmatullah Omarzai:

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai showcased his all-round prowess with both bat and ball. The 23-year-old’s ability to provide quick runs in the lower order and chip in with crucial wickets earns him the all-rounder’s spot in the XI.

8. Gerald Coetzee:

South African young pacer Gerald Coetzee impressed with his express pace and ability to pick up wickets consistently. His fiery spells make him the leading pace bowler in the Best Playing XI. He picked up 20 wickets in 8 matches, interestingly, it was his first-ever major event.

9. Adam Zampa:

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa was a revelation, bamboozling batters with his spin variations. Zampa’s ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets earns him the spinner’s spot in the XI. He picked up 23 wickets in 11 matches and ended up at the 2nd spot in the highest wicket-taker list.

10. Mohammed Shami:

India’s Mohammed Shami was a spearhead in the pace attack, consistently troubling batters with his seam and swing. Shami’s ability to pick up early wickets and deliver in crunch moments solidifies his place in the XI. He was introduced in the mid-half of the tournament and played only 7 matches but still ended up as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament by picking up 24 wickets.

11. Dilshan Madhushanka:

Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madhushanka emerged as a rising star with his impressive pace and ability to generate bounce. It won’t be wrong to say that he was the only positive from the Sri Lankan campaign. The 23-year-old speedster picked up 21 wickets in just 9 matches.