Stellar Performances Shine in ICC World Cup Team of the Tournament
After the conclusion of World Cup 2023, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the World Cup Team of the Tournament on Monday, featuring standout players from the recently concluded competition.
Notably, six players from the finalist India and two from the champion Australia side secured their places in the prestigious lineup. One South African, one New Zealander and one Sri Lankan found his way into the ICC’s team of the tournament.
India’s run machine, Virat Kohli, claimed the title of the tournament’s leading run-scorer and was rightly named the Player of the Tournament. Kohli’s consistent and commanding performances with the bat throughout the World Cup saw him completing 50 ODI centuries which earned him a well-deserved spot in the team of the tournament.
Leading the charge alongside Kohli is the formidable captain Rohit Sharma, whose leadership prowess and impactful contributions with the bat played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final.
Joining them are the versatile KL Rahul, the dynamic all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and the lethal bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, both of whom showcased their skill and precision with the ball.
Australia’s triumphant campaign, culminating in their record-extending sixth title, is reflected in the inclusion of two of their key players in the World Cup Team of the Tournament.
All-rounder Glenn Maxwell, known for his explosive batting and valuable contributions with the ball, secured his spot after memorable performances, including a double century against Afghanistan and a blistering 40-ball century against the Netherlands.
Adding to the Australian dominance in the team is spinner Adam Zampa, the tournament’s top wicket-taker. Zampa’s spin wizardry and ability to pick crucial wickets played a crucial role in Australia’s success, making him a deserving member of the elite lineup.
Quinton de Kock had a memorable tournament with bat which rightly earned him a place in the team of the tournament. De Kock scored 594 runs 59.4 and played a pivotal role in leading South Africa to World Cup semifinals where they lost to Australia at Eden Gardens.
Daryl Mitchell played with excellent composure as both innings builder and showed his batting prowess when it came to finishing the innings. His two centuries came against India, unfortunately both in losing cause but he enjoyed the tournament throughly as a standout performer for New Zealand.
Thr most interesting and commendable name in this list is of Dilshan Madushanka who was only ray of hope for Sri Lanka in their miserable World Cup campaign. The 23-year-old bowled a magnificent spell against India and took a fifer. In the tournament, he had some big wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, David Warner, Babar Azam and Aiden Markam.
READ MORE: Reasons why India lost a ODI World Cup Final to Australia
What was the selection process of ICC’s World Cup Team of the Tournament?
The selection process was carried out by a distinguished panel, featuring cricketing luminaries such as West Indies great Ian Bishop, former Australia batter Shane Watson, and ICC General Manager Wasim Khan, among others.
These experts covered majority of the World Cup matches and had a keen eye on impactful performances by all the participants involved in the tournament. Their collective expertise ensured a fair and comprehensive assessment of players’ performances throughout the tournament.
A team of the tournament is not a winning combination that guarantees every performance in a win. This is a way to give credit to individual performances at each position which really deserved a special recognition. Their contributions have brought good luck to their respective teams.
READ MORE: Head’s Heroics Lead Australia to Sixth World Cup Title
The ICC Team of the Tournament as Voted
1. Quinton de Kock (wk) (South Africa) – 594 runs at 59.40
2. Rohit Sharma (c) (India) – 597 runs at 54.27
3. Virat Kohli (India) – 765 runs at 95.62
4. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) – 552 runs at 69
5. KL Rahul (India) – 452 runs at 75.33
6. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 400 runs at 66.66 and six wickets at 55
7. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – 120 runs at 40 and 16 wickets at 24.87
8. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 20 wickets at 18.65
9. Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka) – 21 wickets at 25
10. Adam Zampa (Australia) – 23 wickets at 22.39
11. Mohammed Shami (India) – 24 wickets at 10.70
