The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be the 13th edition of the mega event, and the first one to be hosted in India since 2011. While Team India would be eyeing to lift another World Cup title on home soil, some players will be extra motivated as it could be their last chance to lift the coveted trophy. Here are five Indian players who could be playing their last ODI World Cup in 2023:
Jasprit Bumrah
The ace fast bowler has been India’s most lethal weapon in limited-overs cricket, with his ability to bowl yorkers, bouncers and variations at any stage of the innings. He has taken 121 wickets in 72 ODIs at an average of 24.30 and an economy of 4.63. However, Bumrah’s workload and injury concerns might force him to reconsider his future in the 50-over format after the 2023 World Cup. He might hang his boots in ODIs to prolong his career in Tests and T20Is.
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Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain and opener has been one of the most prolific run-scorers in ODI history, with 9837 runs in 244 matches at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 89.97. He holds the record for the most ODI double hundreds (three) and the highest individual score (264). He also scored five centuries in the 2019 World Cup, a feat no other batsman has achieved. However, Rohit will be 40 years old by next World Cup and might find it difficult to maintain his fitness and form at the top level.
Virat Kohli
The batting maestro has been the backbone of India’s batting line-up for over a decade, with 12898 runs in 275 matches at an average of 57.32 and a strike rate of 93.62. He has scored 46 ODI centuries, second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 49. While Kohli’s fitness has been commendable, it is highliy unlikely that he will be motivated to continue in ODIs atthe age of 38 and might want to focus on his Test career after that.
Mohammad Shami
The right-arm fast bowler has been a consistent performer for India in ODIs, with 162 wickets in 90 matches at an average of 25.99 and an economy of 5.61. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl well at the death overs. However, Shami has also struggled with injuries and fitness issues throughout his career, and might not be able to sustain his pace and intensity for long. He will be 36 years old by the time of the next World Cup.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best all-rounders in the world, who has represented India in all formats of the game. He has played in four ODI World Cups, from 2011 to 2023, and has been a key member of the Indian team. However, it is unlikely that he will play in the next ODI World Cup in 2027, for several reasons.
Jadeja will be 38 years old by the time of the next World Cup, which is considered to be past the prime age for a cricketer. He might also want to retire from the 50-over format and focus on his Test and T20 career, where he has been more successful.
Meanwhile, Jadeja might face stiff competition from younger and emerging players for a place in the squad for the next World Cup. They might have more experience and exposure by 2027, and might be preferred over Jadeja by the selectors.
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