As the league stage of the ICC World Cup 2023 concluded, Cricket Australia revealed its prestigious Team of the Tournament, featuring notable exclusions that have sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts.
The comprehensive lineup, inclusive of a 12th man, prominently showcases contributions from India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. Remarkably, four Indian players secured spots, excluding the team’s captain Rohit Sharma. Sharma’s pivotal role in the batting lineup, amassing 503 runs with three fifties and a century, seemed insufficient for his inclusion, a decision that has left cricket pundits questioning the selection criteria.
Veteran opener David Warner, who falls below Sharma in run-scoring, clinched a spot as the second-choice opener alongside the dynamic Quinton de Kock. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, despite not captaining India in ODIs since the 2021 T20 World Cup, was appointed skipper of the Dream Team, adding another layer of intrigue to the selections.
India’s bowling prowess found representation in the form of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, while the spin brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja was acknowledged. Notably absent from the Dream Team was Indian wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul, despite his commendable glovework and impressive batting performances at the crucial No. 5 position.
Cricket Australia’s Team of the World Cup 2023:
1. Quinton De Kock
2. David Warner
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Virat Kohli (C)
5. Aiden Markram
6. Glenn Maxwell
7. Marco Jansen
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Mohammed Shami
10. Adam Zampa
11. Jasprit Bumrah
12. Dilshan Madushanka (12th man)
This selection has stirred conversations within the cricketing community, with fans and experts alike deliberating on the surprising choices and noteworthy omissions as the World Cup approaches its knockout stage.
