ICC ODI Player of the Year 2023: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami nominated
On Thursday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the nominees for the prestigious ODI Player of the Year for 2023, with three Indian players making the cut. Virat Kohli, the star batter, leads the nominations after a remarkable year that featured multiple record-breaking performances, including reaching his 50th ODI century – a historic feat in the fifty-over format.
Joining Kohli on the esteemed list are Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, and Daryl Mitchell, all recognized for their exceptional contributions during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.
Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami nominated in four-man shortlist for ICC ODI player of the year in 2023
Despite being relatively inexperienced on the global stage, Shubman Gill showcased his immense potential in 2023, particularly in ODIs, amassing an impressive 1584 runs at an average of 63.36. Gill’s standout moment came with a breathtaking double century, scoring 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad, making him the youngest double-centurion in the format. His stellar performances earned him two Player of the Month awards in 2023.
Mohammed Shami experienced a spectacular resurgence in the latter part of 2023, culminating in a stellar performance at the Cricket World Cup. Despite missing initial games, Shami emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with an exceptional 24 scalps at an astonishing average of 10.7. His crowning achievement was a record-breaking 7/57 against New Zealand in the semi-final, showcasing precision and skill.
Virat Kohli’s return to form in 2023 reached its pinnacle during the World Cup, where he earned the title of Player of the Tournament. The Indian skipper amassed a staggering 765 runs, setting a new record for the most runs scored by an individual batter in a men’s tournament. Kohli’s consistency was evident with at least a half-century in nine out of eleven innings. His record 50th ODI century in the semi-finals against New Zealand underscored his unparalleled prowess.
Daryl Mitchell, the sole non-Indian in the shortlist, had a standout year, concluding 2023 with 1204 runs, marking the third-highest tally recorded by a New Zealand player in a calendar year. Mitchell’s exceptional performances during the World Cup, including two centuries against India, showcased his prowess as a middle-order lynchpin in the absence of Kane Williamson.
On a related note, the ICC had earlier announced the men’s T20I player of the year shortlist, with Suryakumar Yadav being the sole Indian nominee.
Also read: India tops WTC Points Table after historic win over South Africa
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