The 2023 ODI World Cup has been an eventful tournament, marked by various highlights. Although Australia emerged as the eventual winners, this victory also signifies a significant achievement for the 50-over format.
People were really worried about the format becoming stale leading into the tournament. And even though we still don’t know what’s going to happen with the rise of T20 leagues and jam-packed match schedules, it’s fair to say that for now, the format is holding up pretty well.
The World Cup is a great platform for young players to show their talent or for players who were thought to be past their prime to prove themselves once again. Like any tournament, many players seized the chances they got and now have a promising future ahead.
On that note, let us take a look at one breakout star from each 2023 World Cup team.
1. Australia – Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labushcagne’s red-ball credentials are undeniable, but he was never regarded a major white-ball player. He was not chosen to the initial roster for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but was called up at the last minute due to Ashton Agar’s injury.
In the World Cup, the middle-order hitter had an impact, scoring 362 runs in 10 innings at an average of 40.22. Even in the knockout rounds, his status in the team was called into doubt, with Glenn Maxwell replacing him. He did, however, keep his spot over Marcus Stoinis, and he rewarded the confidence with some magnificent fielding and an undefeated fifty in the final under severe pressure.
2. India – Shreyas Iyer
The No.4 spot was a major source of stress for India in the run-up to the tournament, and it’s safe to say it was the least of their worries during the campaign. Many questioned Iyer’s ability to perform at the highest level after returning from injury.
He did, however, shine as an individual, scoring 530 runs in 11 innings with a strike rate of 113.24. He also scored consecutive hundreds, including one at the Wankhede Stadium semi-final against New Zealand. The campaign demonstrates that he is the clear No. 4 candidate for India going forward.
3. South Africa – Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee’s efforts were one among the many positives for the Proteas from the 2023 ODI World Cup. The speedster had to miss a few matches for South Africa to make room for both Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi, but he made the most of his opportunities.
The teenager was at his best, taking 20 wickets in eight outings with an economy rate of 6.23. He bowled a devastating spell in the finals as well, but it was in vain as South Africa’s campaign ended at the semi-final stage.
4. New Zealand – Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra had a remarkable tournament for New Zealand. He played as an opener and also at the No.3 position, scoring runs consistently throughout the competition. On his World Cup debut against England, the left-handed batter scored a century, and he went on to score two more hundreds during the eventful campaign.
In the World Cup, he achieved the distinction of being the fourth highest run scorer. He accumulated an impressive total of 578 runs in just 10 matches, showcasing a remarkable strike rate of 106.44. Looking ahead, his role becomes increasingly vital for New Zealand during this significant transitional phase.
5. Pakistan – Abdullah Shafique
The Men in Green could not come away with many positives after missing the semi-finals for the third time in a row. Abdullah Shafique’s emergence as a white-ball opening hitter, on the other hand, has been heartening.
Shafique has established himself as Pakistan’s red-ball opener, but his white-ball skills were unknown. Following Fakhar Zaman’s poor record, he was promoted to the playing XI and kept his spot when Imam-ul-Haq was dropped later in the league stage.
He hit a spectacular century in Pakistan’s record run chase against Sri Lanka, finishing second only to Mohammad Rizwan in the team’s run scoring. Shafique scored 336 runs in eight innings, averaging 42 per.
6. Afghanistan – Azmatullah Omarzai
Afghanistan had a memorable 2023 One-Day International World Cup campaign, placing sixth and gaining qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Azmatuallah Omarzai has played 13 One-Day Internationals before to the World Cup, and he is one of the tournament’s major breakout stars.
In eight innings, he scored 353 runs, including fifties against India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. He was also effective with the ball, taking seven wickets and serving as the club’s second seamer when the side had four spinners in the starting XI.
7. England – Gus Atkinson
England has little positives to take away from the 2023 World Cup, and if they do, it would be Gus Atkinson’s limited but effective performances.
In the long term, with David Willey’s retirement and Jofra Archer’s injury troubles, England requires a reliable speedster, which Gus Atkinson can provide. The pacer, who had only played three One-Day Internationals prior to the World Cup, made his league debut against South Africa.
He played a few more matches, including the victory against Pakistan, and finished with four wickets in three matches at a 6.08 economy rate.
8. Bangladesh – Shoriful Islam
Bangladesh, like England, had a disappointing World Cup campaign. They narrowly qualified for the Champions Trophy, and their competition was marked by controversy and disturbances.
The bowling of Shoriful Islam was a little plus for the squad. The left-arm bowler found movement with the new ball and finished with 10 wickets, which ties him for the most in the competition with Mehidy Hasan.
Given that he is only 22 years old, he has a long way to improve and might eventually spearhead the bowling assault.
9. Sri Lanka – Dilshan Madushanka
Injuries plagued Sri Lanka, but Dilshan Madushanka’s inclusion in the playing XI proved to be a gift in disguise. Matheesha Pathirana and Lahiru Kumara were among the team’s injured players, while Madushanka was the sole regular bowler.
The left-arm seamer finished with 21 wickets in nine matches, and was very effective with the new ball. On most occasions, the 23-year-old got the new ball moving and provided Sri Lanka an early breakthrough. At the Wankhede Stadium, he also had a remarkable five-wicket haul against India.
10. The Netherlands – Aryan Dutt
Throughout the Netherlands’ campaign, right-arm off spinner Aryan Dutt was the new ball bowler. The 20-year-old grabbed 10 wickets in nine outings at a 5.49 economy rate. While he wasn’t the best ball turner, he maintained decent control over his line and length and kept things tight for the most part.
He also played an important role in the Netherlands’ memorable victory against South Africa at Dharamshala.
