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ODI World Cup 2023: Five Indian players who might play their final World Cup
The ODI World Cup 2023 is just a few months away with the first game set to be played on October 5. The opener features England and New Zealand in a rematch of the previous edition’s final that England clinched on a boundary count following a tied super over. The same level of excitement is anticipated this year as the World Cup returns to India after 12 long years. Talking of the hosts, there are a handful of players who might be featured in the coveted tournament for the last time. Here are five Indian players who could be playing their final World Cup in 2023.
5. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami (Source: Twitter)
First up, one of India’s senior pace bowlers, Mohammed Shami would be 36 years old by the time the next World Cup starts. As such, this could be his final shot at winning the coveted trophy. The ace speedster is a great weapon for the Indian skipper, he can swing the ball both ways and is a champion of the reverse swing. While he is particularly impressive in the longer formats, he also set the stage on fire in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with 28 wickets in 17 games getting him the Purple Cap for most wickets scalped in the tournament.
4. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best allrounders India has ever produced. His handy orthodox left-arm spin and handy explosive batting have always been one of India’s most prized weapons. The issue with Jadeja is the same as Shami, he would be 38 years old by the time the next World Cup commences. As such, it is almost certain that this would be Jadeja’s last dance in the World Cup and he’d like to make it memorable by bringing the third trophy home. However, he faces stiff competition from younger talents like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel and it is yet to be seen if he makes it to the final 15 for the World Cup.
3. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma (Source: Twitter)
Here is an obvious one, the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will be a whopping 40 years old by the time the next ODI World Cup happens. This is certainly his last shot at winning the coveted silverware. Sharma has extra responsibilities on his shoulders, he will be leading the team in his very last World Cup and would be hoping to register his name in Indian Cricket’s history as a World Cup-winning skipper after Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, India (Source: Twitter)
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli is also on his final dance on the World Cup stage. While his selection is almost certain given the amazing show of form currently, the 34-year-old will turn 38 by the time the ODI World Cup returns. He will be eyeing to score a few more centuries and get closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. He is currently at 46.
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, India (Source: Twitter)
Here is a surprising one. While India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah has gone through a long absence from competitive cricket, he is reported to be back for the T20I series against Ireland. This means he’ll surely be a part of India’s arsenal in the World Cup. However, Bumrah’s issue is very different, he needs to manage his workload and has been advised by many to drop one format to prolong his career. He is arguably better in the shortest format and is indispensable when fit in Tests. Therefore, he might look to bid adieu to ODIs.