By Zainab Shafiq 
The culmination of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 witnessed a thrilling clash between cricketing powerhouses Australia and India at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on 19 November. In a fiercely contested final, Australia emerged triumphant, securing their sixth ODI World Cup trophy. However, for India, the elusive ICC trophy hunt that began in 2013 continued.
Throughout this enthralling tournament, a myriad of players delivered exceptional performances, contributing to their teams’ success. In recognition of these stellar displays, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the perfect playing XI or the team of the tournament, a team that encapsulates the very essence of cricketing excellence.
ICC’s team of the tournament for World Cup 2023
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa): The South African wicketkeeper-batsman left an indelible mark on the tournament with a staggering 594 runs at an impressive strike rate of 107.02. His pivotal knock of 174 against Bangladesh showcased his sublime form, contributing significantly to South Africa’s campaign. De Kock’s four centuries established him as the third-highest run-scorer and the leading scorer for South Africa, underlining his pivotal role at the top order.
- Rohit Sharma (India): Leading the Indian side, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was complemented by an outstanding personal performance. Scoring 597 runs at a strike rate of 125.94, Sharma emerged as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament, trailing only his compatriot Virat Kohli. His leadership and consistency with the bat were instrumental in India’s journey to the final.
- Virat Kohli (India): The prolific Indian captain led from the front, amassing a staggering 765 runs at an incredible average of 96.62. Kohli’s record-breaking feat of accumulating the most runs in a single edition of the World Cup added another feather to his illustrious cap. Three centuries in the tournament, coupled with surpassing 50 ODI tons, saw him break Sachin Tendulkar’s record, reaffirming his status as one of the modern greats.
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): New Zealand’s batting dynamo, Mitchell, played a pivotal role, accumulating 552 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 69 and a strike rate of 111.06. Despite his heroic 134 against India in the semifinal ending in a losing cause, Mitchell’s consistency and ability to anchor the innings were evident throughout the tournament.
- KL Rahul (India): The Indian batter showcased his class with 452 runs from 10 innings, boasting a highest score of 103 against the Netherlands. Rahul’s average of 75.33, the third-best in the season, highlighted his ability to provide stability at the top order, contributing significantly to India’s campaign.
- Glenn Maxwell (Australia): Australia’s flamboyant all-rounder, Maxwell, had a tournament to remember. His incredible knock of 201* against Afghanistan orchestrated an unbelievable comeback win for Australia when they were seven down below 100. Maxwell’s 40-ball century against the Netherlands became the fastest in the World Cup, showcasing his match-winning prowess.
- Ravindra Jadeja (India): Playing a pivotal role as an all-rounder, Jadeja contributed both with the bat and the ball. With 120 runs from five appearances in the middle order, coupled with an impressive economy rate of 4.25 and 16 crucial wickets, Jadeja emerged as a key player in India’s campaign.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): India’s premier fast bowler, Bumrah, showcased his mastery with the new ball. With an impressive economy rate of 4.06 and a tally of 20 wickets, Bumrah played a pivotal role in providing crucial breakthroughs for his team, making him an indispensable asset in the playing XI.
- Dilshan Madhushanka (Undisclosed Country): The left-arm pacer stood out as the third-leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps. His stellar performance of 5/80 against India showcased his ability to make significant inroads, even though it ended in a losing cause.
- Adam Zampa (Australia): Australia’s leading wicket-taker and the overall second-highest in the tournament, Zampa claimed 23 wickets, just one less than the top wicket-taker, Mohammad Shami. Zampa’s ability to consistently take wickets played a pivotal role in Australia’s journey to the title.
- Mohammad Shami (India): Despite missing the first four games, Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, finishing with an impressive tally of 24 wickets. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs in crunch moments solidified his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.
12) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa): As the 12th player in this illustrious lineup, Coetzee played a crucial role for South Africa, finishing as their leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps from eight games. His consistent performance with the ball contributed significantly to South Africa’s campaign in the World Cup.
The ICC World Cup 2023 Team of the Tournament represents a perfect blend of batting prowess, bowling excellence, and all-round brilliance. These players, through their exceptional performances, have etched their names in the annals of cricketing history, making the 2023 edition of the World Cup a spectacle to be remembered for years to come.
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