The 2023 ODI World Cup has been an eye-opener on many levels, making a significant statement about the format’s future path. Like every previous tournament, it has seen players stand up on the grandest platform, but it has also seen other players fail to step up when it truly matters.
Having as many players in peak condition as possible is typically critical to success in large-scale competitions, as seen by the results thus far. Teams like India and South Africa have barely made a mistake and, as a result, are sitting atop the points table.
On the other hand, teams like England and Bangladesh are stagnating because a lot of their key players have simply not shown up, and it may be too late considering that each country only has a couple of league matches left.
On that topic, choose one player from each 2023 World Cup squad that has underperformed thus far.
1. India – Shreyas Iyer
The Men in Blue have justified their tag as favorites in the 2023 World Cup event. Their top three batters have been scoring heavily, KL Rahul has handled pressure well in the middle, and their bowlers have also performed well.
However, one player who has not been up to the mark is Shreyas Iyer. The right-hander batter failed to impress so far. He got out for a duck against Australia and only scored well against Pakistan. He also struggled against the short-ball, which the opponents exploited. He has 134 runs in six matches at an average of 33.50.
2. South Africa – Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma’s position as captain of the white-ball squad is under scrutiny. He has not scored many runs in his four outings, but his backup openers Reeza Hendricks have shown their potential in 2023 World Cup.
Bavuma has just 87 runs in four innings, averaging 21.75 runs per inning, and no fifties in the competition. His bad form may not have a significant impact on the team because the other batters are in good shape, but it may cost them when they confront difficult situations.
3. New Zealand – Trent Boult
Trent Boult has struggled to get swing in the Indian conditions, therefore he has not been at his best in the competition. He has only nine wickets in six matches, which is much below his potential.
Other left-arm pacers in the event, such as Dilshan Madushanka, Shaheen Afridi, and Marco Jansen, have excelled Boult in terms of exploiting the new ball. Boult will need to raise up his game as New Zealand looks to rebound from two losses to India and Australia.
4. Australia – Steve Smith
Steve Smith has not found his rhythm in the 2023 World Cup yet. He was out cheaply by Ravindra Jadeja and a dubious lbw call in the first two games. He has also been pushed down to No. 4 due to Travis Head’s comeback.
His only fifty in the tournament was against the Netherlands, but he failed to score big in crucial matches against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan on good batting tracks. He only managed to score 25 runs in total in those games.
5. Afghanistan – Mohammad Nabi
Afghanistan have been the second-best Asian team in the 2023 World Cup after India, as they have beaten three former world champions: England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Their batting has improved a lot and is not dependent on Rahmanullah Gurbaz anymore. Their bowling has also been effective in the conditions.
However, one player who has not performed well is Mohammad Nabi. He has not got much batting opportunity, as he has only scored 41 runs in four innings. He has also been wicketless in most of the matches, as he has only taken three wickets in six games.
6. Sri Lanka – Maheesh Theeksana
Maheesh Theeksana’s comeback to the team has not been fruitful, as he has only taken three wickets in five 2023 World Cup matches at an economy rate of 5.02. He has not exploited the subcontinent pitches like other spinners. He does not turn the ball much, which is a disadvantage for him.
He needs to bowl more aggressively, as Sri Lanka have been weak in the middle overs with the ball. He has also failed to impress with the new ball, which is his strength. He has not been able to create any mystery so far.
7. Pakistan – Imam-ul-Haq
Imam-ul-Haq has been out of form for a long time, and his low scores at the top have hurt Pakistan’s chances too. He has been troubled by the short-ball, and he has fallen to it many times in the World Cup. He has only 162 runs in six innings at an average of 27.
He was dropped from the team for the important game against Bangladesh, which shows that he has not performed well and has run out of patience, at least for now.
8. The Netherlands – Max O’Dowd
The Netherlands have had a successful campaign, thanks to their wins over South Africa and Bangladesh. The Dutch have shown courage and have had many players contributing to the cause.
However, the openers Vikramjit Singh and Max O’Dowd have not delivered as expected. O’Dowd’s numbers have been very poor, as he has only scored 61 runs in the 2023 World Cup at a strike rate of 57 and an average of 10.16.
9. Bangladesh – Shakib Al Hasan
Recently, Bangladesh’s team has suffered five straight defeats, even losing to the Netherlands. Their game play, especially batting, has been consistently challenging throughout the tournament. Even their team captain seems to be facing difficulties.
Shakib Al Hasan, who was outstanding in the previous season, has struggled as a hitter. He has only 61 runs in five games, and switching positions hasn’t helped. Another Bangladeshi batter who has underperformed in the World Cup is Najmul Shanto. He scored a fifty against Afghanistan, but has not reached double figures since.
10. England – Jonny Bairstow
The defending champions are struggling in the subcontinent, and they may even miss the 2025 Champions Trophy. Their batting has been dismal from the start, whether they bat first or chase.
Jonny Bairstow is one of the batters who has not performed well. He was expected to score big in batting-friendly conditions. But he has only 141 runs in six 2023 World Cup matches, with only one fifty against Bangladesh.
