The Cricket World Cup provides a golden chance for any player to showcase their talents to the eyes of the world. With the 2023 edition firmly underway, here are some of the standout players from the tournament.
Mitchell Santner
Coming into the tournament, it appeared one of the missing factors from New Zealand’s squad was the threat of spin. The turning pitches of the sub-continent were always going to be a defining feature of this world cup; therefore, New Zealand were in need of someone to take advantage of this, step up Mitchell Santner. After five matches, Santner has taken 12 wickets at an average of 16.08, notably taking a five-for against the Netherlands. Averaging 28.77 with the bat in ODI cricket, it is quite possible that Mitchell Santner will be a tournament defining player with both bat and ball.
Rohit Sharma
Captaining your nation during a tournament on your home soil is no easy task, however Rohit Sharma has been excelling in this role. After five matches, the right-handed opening batter has scored 311 runs, including a mammoth 131 (84) against Afghanistan, simultaneously during this match he achieved the record for the most international sixes in international cricket history, further cementing his position as a cricketing legend. Moreover, his role as captain has been impressive, throughout the competition India have been well disciplined in their bowling and fielding with both being spearheaded by the leadership of Rohit.
Rachin Ravindra
Prior to the World Cup, Rachin Ravindra had only amassed a handful of ODI caps as he debuted in March 2023. It must be noted that he did not set the world alight in his first set of appearances, but he has grasped his opportunity in India. Usually being accustomed to batting in the middle order, the 23-year-old was handed immense responsibility by being slotted in at number three, he wasted no time with this and smashed 123* (96) in the opening game against England, concurrently he would also break the record for the fastest century by a blackcap at the World Cup. Five games in he has acquired 290 runs at an average of 72.50, for a player who had only made his World Cup debut at the start of the tournament, he has shown confidence and maturity in his ability to guide New Zealand to competitive and winning totals.
