As the ICC ODI World Cup approaches, cricket enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement and making their predictions for the upcoming tournament. Joining the conversation, former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag has unveiled his dream ODI World Cup team, selecting his top five players to watch out for.
Sehwag’s dream team includes three Indian players: captain Rohit Sharma, pacer Jasprit Bumrah, and star batsman Virat Kohli. He also features Australian opener David Warner and New Zealand’s emerging talent Glenn Phillips in his lineup.
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Let’s delve into why Virender Sehwag chose these five players:
#1 Rohit Sharma
Rohit may not have clinched an ICC trophy as a captain yet, but his individual records, especially in the ODI format, unquestionably place him among the top batters of his generation. In the 2019 ODI World Cup, Rohit was India’s highest run-scorer, amassing a remarkable 648 runs in 9 games at an average of 81. His stellar performances in previous tournaments make him a vital asset for India’s quest to secure their first ICC trophy in a decade.
#2 David Warner
David Warner’s aggressive white-ball approach often draws comparisons to Virender Sehwag, who was a regular feature in India’s opening slots alongside Sachin Tendulkar during his playing days. Warner, with 143 ODI appearances, boasts a batting average of over 40 in the 50-over format, accompanied by 19 centuries. His explosive style can provide Australia with valuable starts at the top of the order.
#3 Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is a perennial headline-maker in major tournaments for Team India. With over 12,000 runs and 46 centuries in ODIs, the 34-year-old batsman’s numbers speak for themselves. It’s not just Virender Sehwag; any cricket pundit would readily include Kohli in their preferred ODI XI due to his consistent brilliance.
#4 Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips is set to make his ODI World Cup debut in India this year. Known for his batting prowess, Phillips can also contribute as a part-time spinner in Indian conditions. The 26-year-old showcased his quality in the 2022 T20 World Cup and has accumulated 351 runs, including a half-century, in 16 ODIs for New Zealand. His versatility makes him a promising addition to the Kiwi squad.
#5 Jasprit Bumrah
Despite recently recovering from a prolonged back injury, Jasprit Bumrah remains a key figure in India’s ODI World Cup squad. Bumrah has donned the Blue in 73 ODIs, claiming 121 wickets. He led the Indian pace attack in the 2019 World Cup, finishing the tournament with 18 scalps. His return to full fitness bolsters India’s bowling arsenal.
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The 2023 ODI World Cup is set to commence on October 5 with a highly anticipated clash between the finalists of the previous edition, England and New Zealand, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As the cricketing world gears up for this thrilling tournament, Virender Sehwag’s dream team highlights the talent and potential of these standout players to shine on the global stage.
