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January 4, 2024
The 2023 ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year Award Shortlist: Recognizing Outstanding Performances from the India-Hosted Cricket World Cup
1584 runs and 24 catches in 29 matches
Despite facing challenges early in the year, Shubman Gill persevered and delivered outstanding performances in the ODI format, cementing his position as a reliable opening batsman for India. With a tally of 1584 runs at an average of 63.36, Gill achieved the fifth-highest run total by an Indian in a calendar year, following in the footsteps of These aspiring cricketers draw inspiration from the remarkable careers of iconic Indian legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly.
Gill’s journey to success was not without obstacles, as he battled dengue fever during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Although this setback caused him to miss the tournament’s start, Gill returned with a vengeance, securing a half-century against Bangladesh and ultimately finishing the World Cup with four fifties and an impressive average of 44.25. Despite a bout of cramps during his unbeaten 80 in the final over of a match, Gill’s determination and skill were evident throughout the year, marking 2023 as his breakthrough year in international cricket.
In a remarkable display of skill and grit, Shubman Gill etched his name in cricket history by becoming the youngest double centurion in 2023. His outstanding performance against New Zealand in Hyderabad showcased his immense talent and determination as he powered his way to a breathtaking 208 runs off just 149 balls. This achievement came shortly after an impressive series against Sri Lanka, in which he capped off his strong showing with a century in Thiruvananthapuram.
Gill’s aggressive batting during this knock not only led him to become the joint-second fastest to reach 1000 ODI runs but also single-handedly contributed to nearly 60% of the team’s total score. In a truly exceptional display of individual brilliance, Mohammed Shami’s record-breaking performance during that innings was nothing short of remarkable With an incredible 19 fours and nine sixes, Gill’s masterful performance propelled India to a formidable total of 349 runs, which they defended by a narrow margin of 12. While the young talent secured three more ODI centuries in the calendar year, this double-century remains an unforgettable testament to his exceptional ability to carry the team on his shoulders.
43 wickets, 36 runs and 3 catches in 19 matches
Overcoming initial setbacks in the first half of 2023, Mohammed Shami made an impressive resurgence in the latter half, particularly during the Cricket World Cup. His remarkable performance throughout the tournament earned him the title of highest wicket-taker, with an astounding 24 wickets at an average of 10.7, but also solidified his position as a key player in India’s success.
Despite missing the initial matches, Shami stormed back into the playing XI, delivering several match-winning performances. With three five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul in just seven games, he shattered the Indian record of 44 wickets previously held by Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, securing his place among the elite group of bowlers with over 50 Cricket World Cup wickets – an accomplishment no other player has achieved in as few matches. Shami’s inspiring journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and undeniable talent.
Mohammed Shami’s extraordinary World Cup performance reached its zenith during the semi-finals against New Zealand, where he achieved a record-breaking 7/57 haul. This unforgettable performance showcased his strategic prowess and ability to dismantle the opposition under immense pressure.
Shami began dismissing both openers, immediately putting New Zealand on the back foot. Demonstrating his relentless accuracy and strategic prowess, Shami delivered a decisive blow by dismissing the formidable Kane Williamson. This critical wicket severed a burgeoning partnership between Williamson and Mitchell. The match-defining moment came when Shami claimed Latham’s wicket off the next ball, effectively shattering New Zealand’s resistance.
Refusing to rest on his laurels, Shami continued his relentless assault by removing the determined Mitchell for 134 and swiftly cleaning up the tail end. His outstanding spell not only resulted in the best bowling figures by an Indian player in men’s ODIs but also secured India’s place in the final. This extraordinary achievement will forever be remembered as one of the most outstanding performances in World Cup history.
1377 runs, 1 wicket, and 12 catches in 27 matches
Building on his remarkable comeback in 2022, Virat Kohli ascended to new heights in 2023. Reaching peak form in ODIs, he earned the prestigious Player of the Tournament title at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Kohli’s consistency at the World Cup was nothing short of astounding. The legendary number three batsman achieved at least a half-century in nine of his 11 innings, amassing an unprecedented 765 runs – surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record set in 2003.
Maintaining an astounding average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31, Kohli secured three centuries throughout the tournament, including a crucial one during the semi-finals against New Zealand. Furthermore, he solidified his place in cricket history by becoming the leading century-hitter in the format after completing a record 50 ODI hundreds.
Kohli’s exceptional year culminated in 1377 runs, averaging 72.47 across 24 innings, with six centuries and eight half-centuries to his name. Despite falling short of leading India to victory in the final, the palpable silence following his dismissal in Ahmedabad was a testament to his integral role in the team’s pursuit of the championship title.
Virat Kohli delivered an unforgettable performance during the high-stakes semi-final clash against New Zealand. With India losing Rohit Sharma early, Kohli took charge and demonstrated his unparalleled class, remaining unfazed until he reached his record-breaking 50th ODI century.
On the momentous occasion, Kohli later expressed joy, saying, “It’s the stuff of dreams. Having Anushka [his wife] sitting and Sachin Tendulkar in the stands made the picture perfect.”
Beyond its personal significance, Kohli’s incredible century, coupled with a substantial partnership with Shreyas Iyer, enabled India to amass a monumental total of 397 runs. This unforgettable display of batting prowess proved crucial in securing India’s victory. It will be remembered as one of Kohli’s most outstanding performances in a World Cup semi-final.
1204 runs, 9 wickets, and 22 catches in 26 matches
Daryl Mitchell experienced a transformative 2023, emerging as a dominant force in ODIs and achieving the third-highest run total in a calendar year by a New Zealand player. Despite a relatively quiet start to the year in bilateral series against Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, Mitchell quickly found his groove, securing back-to-back hundreds in Pakistan during April.
Continuing his impressive form, Mitchell notched another century in England, setting the stage for an unforgettable World Cup performance. With Kane Williamson’s absence for a significant portion of the tournament due to personal priorities and a packed international cricket schedule, Mitchell seized the opportunity to become a pivotal figure in New Zealand’s middle order.
Amassing an astonishing 552 runs at an average of 69 and maintaining a strike rate of over 100, Mitchell’s World Cup campaign was defined by power and consistency. His two remarkable hundreds against a formidable Indian bowling attack – considered one of the tournament’s best – further solidified his status as a critical contributor to New Zealand’s success.
Mitchell shined during the World Cup, consistently challenging India’s highly regarded spinners and delivering impressive knocks that kept the dominant hosts on their toes. In a pivotal league match in Dharamsala, Mitchell’s masterful 130 off 127 balls single-handedly propelled New Zealand to a competitive total despite minimal support from his teammates towards the end of the innings. Although the Kiwis ultimately fell short, Mitchell’s tenacity and skill were undeniable.
Just days later, in the semi-final, Mitchell showcased his ability to rise to the occasion again. Faced with a seemingly unattainable target of 398, he and Kane Williamson forged a crucial third-wicket partnership, maintaining hope for a Kiwi victory. Even after Williamson’s dismissal, Mitchell remained unfazed, continuing his aggressive approach until his eventual dismissal in the 46th over, with New Zealand surpassing the 300-run mark. Mitchell’s outstanding 134 off just 119 balls, featuring nine fours and seven sixes, was a testament to his match-winning capabilities.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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