The first five players in his ideal ODI XI: Shikar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan of India has named the first five players he would choose for his ideal XI for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this year.
One of the best white-ball players in recent memory, Dhawan frequently saves his best efforts for the World Cup. Three of his 17 ODI hundreds have come at the prestigious 50-over competition.
At the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales, Dhawan feasted on Australia. The brash opener struck a stunning 117 at The Oval, becoming the 37-year-old one of just six players to have scored hundreds at the two most recent competitions.
Shikhar Dhawan’s third CWC century is seen in video 02:43 CWC19: IND v. AUS highlights.
It’s hardly surprising that Dhawan includes one player from each of Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa in his fantasy XI for the 2023 World Cup, which also features two of his India colleagues.
1. Virat Kohli, ICC ODI Batter Ranking of 9, three World Cup participation (2011, 2015, 2019).
Dhawan automatically chose Kohli for his fantasy XI because he has played in three World Cups and had previously won on home soil in 2011.
Naturally, Virat was chosen first, according to Dhawan.
He has been racking up runs like crazy and is the top batter in the world.
CWC19: IND v. PAK – Kohli fifty montage (Video 00:27)
2. Rohit Sharma, ICC ODI Batter Ranking: 11, two World Cup participation (2015, 2019).
Rohit struck century at the last two World Cups, just as Dhawan, so it’s simple to include the India skipper in his ideal team.
Rohit is a very seasoned consumer, according to Dhawan.
He’s a proven player (on the big stage) and has scored a lot of runs in ICC events and bilateral (series).
CWC19 video 00:28 SA vs. IND: Rohit Sharma’s 100
3. Mitchell Starc, ICC ODI Bowler Ranking: 2, World Cup appearances (2015, 2019).
Dhawan believes that Starc, who took the most wickets at the 2019 event in England and Wales with 27, may have a similar influence at the 2023 competition.
As one of the top fast bowlers in the world, Dhawan said, “I’ll go with Mitchell Starc.”
CWC19: ENG v AUS – Starc dismisses the England captain at 00:46
4. Rashid Khan, ICC ODI Bowler Ranking: 3, World Cup appearances (2019).
Rashid only managed to take six wickets in his 2019 World Cup debut, but Dhawan thinks the ace spinner will be more at home on sub-continental pitches.
Rashid Khan, with his mysterious motion, will be the fourth player, remarked Dhawan with a smile.
“I have no doubt that he will have a significant impact in India and take many wickets.”
Rashid Khan fires Kusal Perera during the AFG v. SL CWC19 game at 00:39.
5. Kagiso Rabada, ICC ODI Bowler Ranking: 15, World Cup appearances (2019).
Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan is a strong pace spearhead, but Dhawan wanted more diversity in his assault so he chose the lion-hearted South Africa quick.
Afridi, Shaheen Since there would then be two left-arm pacers, I wouldn’t take, so I’ll go with Rabada instead, Dhawan added. “Rabada has that extra pace and bounce that is going to rush the batters.”
Dhawan’s ideal XI is a testament to the depth and talent that exists in world cricket today. His selections underscore the importance of experience, versatility, and impact players in the context of a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup. With a blend of batting prowess and bowling firepower, this lineup is poised to make a significant impression on the cricketing world.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the commencement of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Shikhar Dhawan’s fantasy XI provides a tantalizing glimpse into the kind of cricketing extravaganza that awaits. The stars he has chosen to grace his lineup are not only exceptional athletes but also ambassadors of the sport, set to embark on a journey that could etch their names in the annals of cricketing history.
