Four players who had an impressive Cricket World Cup in India have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 Award.
Shubman Gill (India)
1584 runs and 24 catches in 29 matches
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The year that was
Demonstrating significant raw talent on the grand stage of cricket, Shubman Gill exhibited performances in 2023 that signified his rise in international cricket. His notable accomplishments were primarily in the ODI domain, concluding the year with an impressive total of 1584 runs at an average of 63.36.
Securing the fifth position in the list of top run-scorers among Indian players in a solitary ODI year, he emulated the remarkable records established by cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar (1996, 1998), Rahul Dravid (1999), and Sourav Ganguly (1999). Serving as a linchpin at the forefront of India’s batting lineup alongside captain Rohit Sharma, Gill played a crucial part in forging numerous unforgettable opening alliances over the course of the year.
Even though Gill faced an early setback at the onset of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, contending with dengue fever and sitting out the initial matches, he staged a robust comeback. His journey in the World Cup concluded with an overall tally of 354 runs, boasting an average of 44.25. Gill’s contributions included four fifties, with a noteworthy unbeaten 80, during which he temporarily retired hurt due to cramps but returned later to finish the game in the final over.
Memorable Performance
During the initial months of the year, Shubman Gill earned the distinction of becoming the youngest player to achieve a double century, showcasing an exceptional performance by scoring an impressive 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad. Building on his success in the series against Sri Lanka, culminating with a century in Thiruvananthapuram, Gill carried his newfound confidence to Hyderabad, where he delivered a dazzling display, accumulating an impressive 208 runs off just 149 balls.
Top of Form
Amidst this innings, Gill also earned the distinction of being the second-fastest player to reach 1000 ODI runs. Gill’s outstanding individual performance contributed to almost 60% of the team’s runs, with none of the other Indian batsmen achieving even a half-century in that specific inning.
Marked by 19 fours and nine sixes, Gill’s spectacular performance contributed to India’s total of 349, a score they successfully defended, winning by 12 runs.
While Gill went on to register three more ODI centuries in the calendar year, this double century stood out for the remarkable manner in which he single-handedly propelled India to a substantial total, receiving minimal support from the other end.
Mohammed Shami (India)
43 wickets, 36 runs and 3 catches in 19 matches
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The year that was
Mohammed Shami transformed a relatively lackluster first half of 2023 into a remarkable spectacle during the latter part, reaching his peak at the Cricket World Cup while representing India.
Despite missing the initial matches of the tournament, Shami made a formidable comeback into the playing XI and concluded the event as the highest wicket-taker, securing an impressive 24 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.7.
Impressive milestones for Shami encompassed securing three instances of claiming five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul in the seven matches he engaged in throughout the tournament. Furthermore, the fast bowler established a fresh record by becoming India’s foremost wicket-taker in Men’s Cricket World Cups, enhancing his total to 55 wickets in a mere 18 games.
Merely seven bowlers have surpassed the milestone of claiming over 50 wickets in Cricket World Cups, and Shami achieved this feat in remarkably few matches.
What added an extra layer of significance to Shami’s tournament was his absence from India’s initial first-choice XI. However, he made a substantial impact upon his return, playing a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final in the home World Cup.
Memorable Performance
The pinnacle of Shami’s dominant performance in the World Cup unfolded during his record-breaking spell of 7/57 against New Zealand in the tournament’s semi-final. Shami orchestrated a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the openers during the run-chase and later claimed the prized wicket of Williamson, disrupting a promising partnership with Mitchell. Following this, he swiftly removed Tom Latham on the very next delivery, significantly impacting New Zealand’s formidable effort at Wankhede in a challenging chase.
While the double strike initially shattered the backbone of New Zealand’s innings, Shami continued his onslaught, dismissing the well-established Mitchell for 134 and proceeding to dismantle the tail. This exceptional effort culminated in a seven-wicket haul, marking the best figures by an Indian player in men’s ODIs.
Virat Kohli (India)
1377 runs, 1 wicket and 12 catches in 27 matches
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The year that was
Expanding upon his resurgence from 2022, Virat Kohli delivered an outstanding performance in 2023, showcasing peak excellence in ODIs and culminating with an exceptional Player of the Tournament display at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Positioned at the third spot, the batting maestro hailing from India consistently achieved half-centuries in nine out of his 11 innings throughout the World Cup, accumulating a noteworthy total of 765 runs. This feat set a fresh standard for the highest individual run tally by a batsman in a men’s Cricket World Cup, surpassing the earlier record established by Sachin Tendulkar in 2003.
Finishing the tournament, Kohli showcased a commendable average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31, highlighting three centuries, notably a pivotal one in the semi-finals against New Zealand.
Achieving a historic milestone, he notched his 50th ODI hundred during the semi-finals, solidifying his position as the foremost century-maker in the format’s history.
Despite adding another half-century in the final, it fell short of securing victory for India. The hushed stillness that followed his departure in Ahmedabad emphasized the profound influence Kohli had on India’s quest for the title.
Wrapping up the year, he accumulated a total of 1377 runs, boasting an impressive average of 72.47. His outstanding performance included six centuries and eight half-centuries across 24 innings.
Memorable Performance
Kohli showcased his pinnacle performance in the World Cup during the crucial semi-final showdown against New Zealand. Stepping in after the fall of Rohit Sharma’s wicket, Kohli seamlessly found his rhythm, standing resolute until he achieved a historic 50th century in the format.
In a post-innings interview, Kohli expressed, “It’s the stuff of dreams, Anushka was sitting right there, Sachin paaji was there in the stands,” underscoring the significance of the moment.
The setting, described by Kohli as “picture-perfect,” and the occasion, given India’s previous heartbreak against the Kiwis four years ago, added profound importance to the innings. Kohli’s record century and substantial partnership with Shreyas Iyer paved the way for a monumental total of 397.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
1204 runs, 9 wickets and 22 catches in 26 matches
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The year that was
Exhibiting stellar form in ODIs throughout 2023, Daryl Mitchell concluded the year with an impressive total of 1204 runs, ranking as the third-highest recorded by a New Zealand player in the format in a single calendar year.
Although Mitchell had a modest beginning in the bilateral series in Pakistan and India, as well as the home series against Sri Lanka, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround with consecutive centuries in Pakistan in April. Another century followed in England, but his standout performances were reserved for the World Cup, where he assumed the role of New Zealand’s middle-order linchpin during Kane Williamson’s extended absence.
Mitchell showcased his prowess in the World Cup by amassing 552 runs at an average of 69 and a strike rate exceeding 100. Notably, his exceptional performance included two centuries against India, who boasted one of the tournament’s most formidable bowling attacks.
Memorable Performance
Mitchell showcased his peak performance against India in the tournament, facing their spinners with confidence and delivering two innings that pushed the dominant hosts onto the defensive. During the league game in Dharamsala, Mitchell played a pivotal role in establishing a competitive total by scoring 130 off 127 balls. Entering the crease when the team was two down for 19 runs, Mitchell faced a challenging situation with minimal support towards the end of New Zealand’s innings. Nevertheless, he single-handedly carried them to a respectable total, which, unfortunately, proved insufficient in the end.
A few days later, in the semi-final, the narrative remained remarkably similar as Mitchell led the team in an almost-impossible run-chase of 398. Forming a vital third-wicket partnership with Williamson, Mitchell played a crucial role in sustaining New Zealand’s momentum in the chase.
After Williamson exited the scene, Mitchell persisted with his assertive tactics against the bowlers, and it wasn’t until the 46th over that he ultimately yielded, aligning with New Zealand surpassing the 300-run mark. Mitchell’s exceptional 134 came off just 119 balls, featuring nine fours and seven sixes.