Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami are set to vie for the prestigious ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, following their exceptional performances in 2023.
The trio faces stiff competition from Daryl Mitchell, a standout performer for New Zealand during the 50-over format and the World Cup in the previous year. Kohli and Shami particularly shone during India’s impressive run in the World Cup, with Kohli emerging as the leading run-scorer and Shami as the highest wicket-taker, contributing significantly to India’s journey to the final.
Shubman Gill, the young batting sensation, showcased extraordinary talent and consistency in ODIs throughout 2023. Garnering a staggering 1584 runs, including five centuries, Gill became the sole player to surpass the 1500-run mark in the format that year. His standout innings included a monumental 208, boasting an impressive average of 68.91 and a strike rate of 105.7. Gill’s stellar performances solidified his position as India’s top run-scorer in ODIs for the year.
Virat Kohli, regaining his stellar form, dominated the World Cup stage in 2023. Amassing a record-breaking 765 runs across 11 innings with an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.3, Kohli’s efforts included three centuries and six fifties. His hundred against New Zealand in the semi-final marked a historic moment, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for the most hundreds in the 50-over format. Kohli’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Tournament title, securing the second-highest run-tally in ODIs for 2023 with 1377 runs.
Mohammed Shami emerged as the linchpin of India’s bowling attack during the World Cup, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches. His overall tally for the year reached an impressive 43 wickets in 19 matches, solidifying his reputation as a formidable pacer.
The battle for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year promises to be intense, with each nominee having left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape in 2023.