In the heart of the 2023 cricketing frenzy, South Africa have emerged as a formidable force, captivating audiences with their resurgence on the international stage. With five victories out of six matches, the Proteas are on the brink of a significant milestone. Their journey, marked by remarkable teamwork, individual brilliance, and strategic finesse, has rekindled the spirit of South African cricket enthusiasts and astounded global cricket aficionados. This resurgence is no accident; it’s a result of meticulous planning, exceptional talent, and unwavering determination. In this article, we delve into the core reasons behind South Africa’s resurgence, outlining five compelling factors that have propelled them towards the coveted semi-finals. From the sheer brilliance of star players to the tactical genius of their captain and the harmonious collaboration between spinners and fast bowlers, South Africa’s resurgence in 2023 represents a story of triumph against the odds, reshaping the narrative of their cricketing journey.

1. Every Batter Firing on All Cylinders

At the heart of South Africa’s resurgence lie the awe-inspiring exploits of their star players. Quinton de Kock, with a staggering 431 runs in just six innings, has been the linchpin of their batting lineup, consistently delivering in high-pressure situations. His aggressive yet calculated approach has demoralized bowlers and electrified spectators. Aiden Markram, accumulating 356 runs in six innings, has showcased remarkable consistency, anchoring the innings with his unwavering determination. Heinrich Klaasen, with 300 runs, has proved to be a reliable force, crafting crucial innings that have steered South Africa to victories. Rassie van der Dussen’s elegant stroke play and 220 runs have added finesse to the batting order, ensuring that South Africa sets daunting totals. Together, their collective prowess has not only amassed runs but also sowed seeds of doubt in the minds of their opponents, making South Africa a team to fear and admire in equal measure.

2. Fast Bowlers Dominating in Indian Conditions

The backbone of South Africa’s dominance in the subcontinent has undeniably been their fast-bowling virtuosos – Rabada, Jansen, and Coetzee, all boasting an astounding tally of 10 wickets each. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has left opposition batsmen in shambles, illustrating the sheer ferocity of their pace and precision. Rabada’s lethal deliveries have been a nightmare for the best in the business, consistently breaching defenses and shattering stumps. Jansen, with his raw pace and intimidating bounce, has unsettled even the most experienced batsmen, making him a potent weapon in South Africa’s arsenal. Coetzee, with his ability to extract devilish movement off the pitch, has made batting against him akin to navigating a treacherous maze. Their collective ability to dismantle batting lineups, even on traditionally spin-friendly Indian pitches, has bestowed South Africa with a significant advantage, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

3. Perfect Balance of Batting and Bowling

South Africa’s resurgence in the cricketing arena can be attributed to their strategic brilliance in team composition. Their lineup, a harmonious blend of five robust batsmen and five adept bowlers, exemplifies a delicate equilibrium between attack and defense. This balance ensures their adaptability to diverse match scenarios, allowing them to set imposing targets when batting or defend modest totals with equal efficiency. This well-calibrated strategy not only fortifies their batting order, enabling them to post challenging scores consistently but also strengthens their bowling unit, empowering them to dismantle rival lineups effectively. The meticulous selection of players, each contributing distinct skills, has created a synergy within the team, enhancing their overall performance. South Africa’s astute balance between bat and ball stands as a testament to their tactical acumen, making them a formidable contender in the tournament.

4. Inspirational Captaincy of Bavuma

At the helm of this resurgent South African side is Temba Bavuma, whose leadership qualities have been instrumental in their success. Bavuma’s tactical acumen, calm demeanour under pressure, and ability to motivate his team have provided the Proteas with a sense of purpose and unity. His strategic decisions on the field and astute understanding of the game have steered South Africa to numerous triumphs, earning him accolades from fans and pundits alike.

5. Spinners Playing in Perfect Tandem

In the unpredictable world of cricket, adaptability is key, and South Africa has mastered this art with their spin bowling department. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, the spin twins, have exhibited exceptional synergy, shuffling their roles according to the pitch conditions. Whether it’s the traditional spin wizardry of Maharaj or the unorthodox variations of Shamsi, their ability to confound batsmen has played a pivotal role in dismantling opposition lineups.

As the Proteas gear up to face Pakistan in their upcoming clash, the cricketing universe eagerly anticipates another spectacle of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. South Africa’s resurgence in 2023 stands as a testament to their unwavering spirit and unparalleled talent. With their star players firing on all cylinders, fast bowlers terrorizing batsmen, a balanced team composition, inspirational captaincy, and spinners weaving their magic, South Africa’s journey to the semi-finals seems more like an inevitable destiny than a mere possibility. Watch out, world, the Proteas are back, and they mean business.

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Team India have been brilliant in the 2023 ODI World Cup so far. At the time of writing this piece, they were the only unbeaten side in the competition. They began their campaign with a six-wicket win over Australia in Chennai. Subsequently, they went on to register impressive wins over Afghanistan (8 wickets), Pakistan (7 wickets) and Bangladesh (7 wickets). The Men in Blue were expected to face a tough challenge against New Zealand in Dharamsala, a team they hadn’t defeated in any ICC event since 2003. India did have their nervous moments but hung on to register a four-wicket win over the Kiwis.

There have been a number of brilliant performances from Indian players, which have resulted in the Men in Blue finding themselves in a dominant position. Senior batter Virat Kohli has amassed 354 runs at an average of 88.50 and a strike rate of 88.50, with one hundred and three fifties. Among bowlers, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has claimed 14 wickets at an average of 15.07, while Mohammed Shami has added 9 wickets to his tally in just 2 matches. The left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has snared 10 at an average of 26.10. Ravindra Jadeja (8) and Mohammed Siraj (6) six have also chipped in.

The “Hitman” factor in India’s dominance

While all the above-mentioned Indian players deserve credit for their efforts, one man must get special praise for his performances and his approach. And that is none other than Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The opening batter has 398 runs to his name from six innings at an average of 66.33 with one hundred and two fifties. After beginning with a duck against Australia, he clobbered 131 off 84 balls against Afghanistan in Delhi and has followed it up with scores of 86, 48, 46 and 87 against Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England, respectively. What stands out about Rohit’s batting efforts in the World Cup so far is his strike rate of 119.16.

There are two ways to look at Rohit’s performances in the 2023 World Cup. One could be a critical approach, stating that he has not converted all his starts into big scores, particularly in the two matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand, where he was dismissed in the 40s. It can also be stated that he has been taking way too many risks and has had to pay the price with his wicket. If someone wants to be really harsh, they can argue that Rohit missed out on a hundred that was there for the taking in the game against Pakistan in Ahmedabad.

There is another side to the coin as well, though. Rohit’s batting approach can be seen as “selfless” and completely dedicated to the team’s cause. He is coming in every match and taking on the bowling from the word go. Even after getting his eye in and spending decent time at the crease, he is not changing his attacking approach and is continuing to attack the bowling, not worrying about his fifty or his hundred. Rohit has admitted during recent media interactions that, as captain and opener, it is his responsibility to get the team off to a flying start. To his credit, he has been walking the talk.

Easing the path for Kohli and co.

While Rohit himself might not have got the big scores in recent matches, his quick-fire knocks have had a big impact on the team’s fortunes. With the captain scoring at a brisk pace, it has eased the path for the likes of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who have been able to take their time to get their eye in, not having to worry about the net run rate. With different batters playing different roles, Team India have been able to balance attack and defense in a fine manner in the 2023 World Cup so far.

If we dissect Rohit’s impactful batting performances in the World Cup till now, he hammered 131 off 84 balls against Afghanistan, smashing 16 fours and five sixes. He dominated the opening partnership of 156 with Ishan Kishan, who contributed a run-a-ball 47. When Rohit was dismissed in India’s chase of 273, the Men in Blue had raced away to 205 in 25.4 overs. Kohli (55* off 56) and Shreyas Iyer (25* off 23) scored at around a run-a-ball, but Rohit’s blitz ensured India won with 15 overs to spare.

Against Pakistan, India were chasing 192. Such totals can sometimes be tricky, especially if the opposition goes on the defensive, thinking they don’t need to go all out. Shubman Gill perished cheaply for 16, but Rohit ensured the door was shut on Pakistan, clobbering six fours and as many sixes in his wonderful knock. While Kohli fell for 16, the captain’s assault at the start allowed Shreyas to take his time, and he returned unbeaten on 53 off 62 balls. Similarly, his 40s against Bangladesh and New Zealand also gave the desired kick-starts to the team. His best innings came against England. The Indian team was in trouble of getting dismissed below 200 runs, but the veteran amassed a patient 87 runs off 101 balls to take India to 229 runs. 

Aggressive, not reckless – the challenge for Rohit

So far, so good. Rohit’s aggressive starts have pushed India towards important wins. But the captain’s approach is fraught with danger. Indians would hope it does not happen, but in case he perishes cheaply in a couple of games while trying to go after the bowling, the same approach will be questioned. He will be asked for accountability as the leader of the ship.

The good part about Rohit’s attitude towards batting in this World Cup is that he is clear in his head what he wants to do. More significantly, he has translated that thought process into significant performances. The challenge for Rohit ahead will be to strike a fine balance between aggression and recklessness. If he manages to stay in that positive zone without losing his composure while attempting to go berserk, he should be fine. So should India.

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The Pakistan cricket team began their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with an 81-run win against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Subsequently, they chased down 345 against Sri Lanka at the same venue, which is a record for the highest total successfully chased in the Men’s ODI World Cup. Since then, though, it has been all downhill for the Pakistan team. They have lost four matches in a row and have slipped to the second half in the points table. 

A seven-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad was followed by a 62-run defeat to Australia in Bengaluru. Pakistan were then stunned by Afghanistan by eight wickets in Chennai. They came close to ending their losing streak when they faced South Africa in Chennai but ended up suffering a heartbreaking one-wicket loss. 

With four defeats in a row, Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals look very slim. With every loss, the pressure on skipper Babar Azam, as well as his criticism, has grown. And while cricket is a team game, the captain is the leader of the ship. In that sense, Babar has been a failure and perhaps the worst of all captains in the 2023 World Cup.

No control over team 

First things first, the captain should enjoy the confidence of the team and command the respect of his players. On social media, things look rather hunky-dory, but on the field, a different picture is painted. This is not to say that various rumours of infighting and all not being good in the Pakistan team are true. But, from the outside, one thing is perceptibly clear. Babar does not seem to have that control over the team that a leader must possess.

It is not to say that a captain must dictate terms completely. He can, of course, seek help from seniors, but the assertiveness that a good leader brings along is clearly missing in Babar’s leadership. It is all okay when the team is winning, but captaincy skills are tested when the team hits a rough patch. And in that terms, Babar has clearly been found wanting as a leader. He has hardly been seen encouraging his team when the players have been down. The communication, too, seems to be missing, with players going through the motions. 

The loss to Afghanistan pretty much exposed Babar’s weaknesses as an international captain. He did precious little to boost the team even as nothing was going their way. Instead, players were seen having a go at each other, and Babar could do nothing to stop the in-game squabbles. It all looked rather shoddy as Pakistan players pointed fingers at each other over misfields, overthrows and conceding close runs. The cameras often panned to Babar during this phase. Dejection and cluelessness were writ large on his face, but he was pretty much a mute spectator, doing nothing much to stop what was going on. You expect much better from a captain, that too of a top international side.

Poor tactics 

World Cup 2023 has also exposed Babar’s lack of tactical skills as a captain. His bowling changes against Afghanistan were bizarre, to say the least. Babar allowed Afghanistan to ease to victory by bowling his spinners at a time when he should have attacked with his fast bowlers in, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. By the time the pacers returned, it was too late, as only the formalities remained. As it is, Pakistan’s bowling was lackadaisical against Afghanistan. Babar’s illogical captaincy only made things worse for the team.

Babar’s tendency to bowl left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz in the end overs when the game is on the line is also something bizarre. If you look at the bowler’s record at the death, he was hit for a six by Hardik Pandya in the 2022 Asia Cup match, a stroke that clinched victory for India. Nawaz also bowled the last over, conceding 16 runs as Virat Kohli scripted India’s famous win at the MCG in the 2022 World Cup clash. Yet, Babar again turned to Nawaz in the 48th over against South Africa. The bowler conceded a four as Proteas registered a one-wicket win. No surprises there.

Feeling the pressure while batting 

Apart from feeling the pressure of captaining the team, leadership is definitely affecting Babar’s batting as well. His struggles in a number of big tournaments prove it. Babar fared miserably with the bat in the 2022 Asia Cup, scoring only 68 runs in six matches. He had a poor time in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia as well, even though Pakistan fought back well to reach the final. The right-handed batter scored only 124 runs from seven matches at an average of 17.71. Babar clearly failed to inspire the team with the bat in the two tournaments.

If we talk about the 2023 World Cup, he has scored three half-centuries in six innings, but those have not come in convincing fashion. None of the three fifties have been scored at a strike rate of around 100, which is more or less a norm now in one-day cricket. Babar’s 50 came off 58 balls against India. Against Afghanistan, he scored 74, but that too came off 92 balls, which can be considered a rather slow effort. Against South Africa, he scored 50 off 65 balls. Babar is not dominating bowlers like Quinton de Kock or Virat Kohli, who are striking at 117 and 90, respectively.

There is no doubt about the talent of Babar as a batter, but if leadership is affecting his main skill, it would be better for Pakistan cricket that the responsibility is taken away from him. After all, Pakistan needs Babar, the batter, more than Babar, the captain, going ahead. Be it in the field or with the bat in hand, Babar has struggled in both aspects. It’s no surprise that his leadership after the 2023 World Cup is on the line.

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The 3D player theory turned into a joke in Indian cricket after Ambati Rayudu put out a legendary 3D glasses tweet after being snubbed for the 2019 ODI World Cup. The selectors had picked Vijay Shankar, who could bat a bit and bowl a bit ahead of pure batter Rayudu in the squad for the World Cup. Then, BCCI chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad, described Shankar as a three-dimensional player. The all-rounder, however, was out of the World Cup very early in the tournament due to an injury. Shankar was definitely not a 3D player, but does Team India have one in the current squad?

With his versatile skills, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja can definitely lay claim to being the team’s 3D player. His bowling prowess was on show in India’s opening World Cup 2023 clash against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, October 8. Jadeja claimed 3/28 in 10 overs, two of which were maidens; the Aussies were held to 199. The left-arm spinner dismissed Steve Smith with a beauty and added the scalps of Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey to firmly put Australia on the back foot. But for a special innings from KL Rahul, Jadeja would have been the Player of the Match against Australia.

India’s go-to man

There was a time when former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar had referred to Jadeja as a bits-and-pieces player. And while that might have been partially true at one point of time in his career, that is definitely not the case anymore. On the contrary, Jadeja has become India’s go-to man, especially in Tests and ODIs. He has broken key partnerships with the bat, which can be termed as game-changing contributions. 

It happened in the match against Australia as well. Steve Smith was looking set for a big one. He had dug himself in at the crease. However, Jadeja produced a ripper to knock over the Aussie legend. The ball was pitched in the middle, turned past the bat and hit off stump. This knack for making something happen has been one of the key features of Jadeja’s bowling in recent years. Shardul Thakur may be the Lord, but Jadeja is definitely the Magician when it comes to producing brilliance out of nowhere.

And what he did to Smith was definitely not a one-off. Jadeja has produced numerous deliveries in international cricket over the years. It’s no surprise, then, that he has 275 wickets in 67 Tests and 207 in 187 ODIs. Players get to bowl only four overs in T20Is, so 51 wickets in 64 games in that format is not bad either. What you get with Jadeja is more or less of a certainty that he will somehow make things happen with the ball. He has the knack of producing that unplayable delivery. And, even if he is not taking wickets, he mostly ensures that he keeps things very tight. In the process, he often induces a false stroke out of the batters.

Jadeja 2.0: A much-improved version in Test, but questions remain in white-ball formats

While his bowling has consistently improved with experience, his batting has also gone notches higher in Test cricket in recent years. His overall career batting average in Tests is 36.41. However, since the start of 2019, he is averaging 43.75 from 27 matches, with two hundreds to his name. He has played a number of knocks, which have either helped India fight back from adversity or have aided their victory push.

The same, however, cannot be said about his batting in ODIs. In 12 one-day innings this year, he has only scored 189 runs at an average of 27 and a shockingly poor strike rate of 64.28, with a best of 45 not out. For some reason, he has not been able to break free and has got stuck at the crease. A number of his dismissals have also come at a time when the game was in the balance. Add to that, his shot selection in crunch moments has been rather disappointing. This is one area Jadeja will have to improve significantly. He has the skills for sure, but the results need to come with the willow.

3D player? Not yet, but can become one

To answer the question of whether Jadeja can be termed a 3D player, there are two dimensions of his game in which he is in supreme command. As a bowler, he has delivered the goods in Tests and has replicated the same in one-dayers since his comeback. About his fielding, nothing really needs to be said. He is exceptional as an outfielder as well as a catcher. There are few players in world cricket who are more feared than him as a fielder. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Jadeja is arguably the best fielder India has ever produced and also the finest of the current generation.

The only area where he is lacking to some extent is his batting in one-dayers, which somehow hasn’t flourished to his full potential. If we take a closer look at his ODI record as a batter, he has scored 2636 runs in 187 matches at an average of 32.14 and a strike rate of 84.43, with 13 half-centuries. There have been a number of games in which Jadeja could have become a batting hero had he taken the team home, but he hasn’t been able to do the same.

The ongoing ODI World Cup in India should provide a few opportunities for Jadeja to make his impact with the bat in hand. The 34-year-old left-handed batter needs to grab the opportunities and convert them into significant knocks. At the same time, he will be expected to keep delivering with the ball and on the field. He can perform the role that Yuvraj Singh did for India in the 2011 World Cup. If his willow game also falls into place, there is every reason to term him the 3D player of Indian cricket.

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Team India beat Australia by six wickets in the ICC ODI 2023 World Cup match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, October 8. While KL Rahul was the Player of the Match for his fantastic 97 not out off 115 balls, senior batter Virat Kohli also had a key role to play in the memorable win. He first took a brilliant catch at slip to kick off proceedings for India on a positive note. Kohli then anchored the innings in the company of Rahul, scoring a defiant 85 off 116 balls. While Rahul struck eight fours and two sixes, Kohli hit only six fours, preferring to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard moving.

Kohli and Rahul’s knocks were special considering the fact that India were three wickets down with only two runs on the board after the end of two overs – Ishan Kishan, captain Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer all back in the hut without scoring. Both Kohli and Rahul, however, showed great resolve to pull India out of a hole. While Rahul is beginning to flourish into a finisher, for Kohli, chases have become like bread and butter. With the World Cup underway, it’s a good time to analyze whether he is the greatest batter in successful run chases. 

In Numbers: Kohli – the chase master

Without taking a look at the records, many would easily conclude that Kohli is the greatest chaser in history in ODI cricket. But what do the actual stats say? Well, they only corroborate the hypothesis. Among batters who have an exceptional record in chases, Kohli is head and shoulders above the rest, going purely by cursory numbers. In 92 ODI innings in successful chases, he has amassed 5517 runs at a splendid average of 88.98 and a strike rate of 97.13, with 22 hundreds and 23 fifties. He has been dismissed without scoring only on three occasions.

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar is second on the list. In 124 innings in successful chases, he has scored 5490 runs at an average of 55.45 and a strike rate of 90.08, with 14 hundreds and 31 fifties. He was dismissed without scoring on six occasions. Among others, Ricky Ponting scored 4186 runs in 104 ODI innings at an average of 57.34 and a strike rate of 78.21, with eight hundreds and 29 fifties. He was also out without scoring on six occasions.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who often doesn’t get credit for his performances, is a surprise fourth on the list. In 89 ODI innings, he has 3983 at an average of 63.22 and a strike rate of 88.88, with 11 hundreds and 26 fifties. He has registered five ducks. South African legend Jacques Kallis completes the top five list. In 100 innings, he scored 3950 runs at an average of 56.42 and a strike rate of 71.79, with three hundreds, 34 fifties, and four ducks.

How has Kohli chased against top teams of his era?

While the first-hand stats pick Kohli as a runaway winner among players who have been most successful in ODI chases, it is important to analyze the numbers in detail, especially the performance of the said players against top sides of their time. Looking at Kohli’s record against Australia in winning chases in ODIs, he has a fantastic record. In 14 innings, he has notched up 822 runs at an average of 68.50 and a strike rate of 98.32, with four hundreds and two fifties. 

Only Rohit is above him on the list among Indian batters. The Indian captain has scored 861 runs in 13 innings at an average of 78.27 and a strike rate of 90.72, with three hundreds and four half-centuries. South Africa is another top team of the modern era, and Kohli has fantastic numbers against him as well in chases. In six innings, he has amassed 409 runs at a stupendous average of 136.33 and a strike rate of 92.74, with two tons and one fifty. Kohli has a wonderful record in successful chases against New Zealand as well, averaging 73.28 from 10 innings at a strike rate of 95.17. Clearly, Kohli has proved himself to be a chaser against all big sides.

The missing piece in the greatness puzzle

If stats were the only criteria, Kohli would easily be the greatest chase master of the current generation. But there is still one area that he has to conquer. And this is performing in knockout clashes. While he has ticked the yardstick in T20Is with some fantastic batting efforts in the 2014 and 2016 World Cups, the world is yet to see the best of Kohli, the chaser in ODI knockouts. As of now, it has been a case of massive expectations resulting in equally gigantic disappointments.

It all started in the 2015 World Cup semi-final in Sydney. After a Steve Smith ton lifted Australia to a 325-plus score, India needed a big one from Kohli. He was out for just 1 off 13. In the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan at The Oval, the Men in Blue were set to chase 339. Team India fans were again hoping for a big one from Kohli. He again got a reprieve early on but fell the very next ball for 5, playing a loose stroke.

Kohli had a chance to make amends in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Manchester. But all he could produce was another single-figure score, trapped lbw by Trent Boult. The few failures in ICC knockout matches cannot completely overshadow the legend of Kohli, the chaser. But to be considered the greatest chaser ever in history, he needs to come good on the biggest stage of all. That hasn’t happened in his one-day career as of now. He could get the opportunity this year in what could be his last ODI World Cup. If he gets it and makes it count, nobody can snatch away the greatest chaser tag from him.

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The 2023 ODI World Cup will be played in India from October 5 to November 19. The World Cup will kick-off with a rematch of the 2019 final between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. The previous ODI World Cup was held in England, and the conditions are expected to be vastly different in the 2023 World Cup to be played in India. So, who are the favorites heading into the latest ICC ODI World Cup? We analyze the form and squads of the teams to try and figure out the same.

India, England, Australia the favorites 

Playing at home, Team India will undoubtedly be one of the favorites. But that is not the sole reason why they are being touted as one of the strongest sides in the competition. Unlike some of the past ICC events during which there have been genuine concerns around the Men in Blue, the current setup looks well-settled and finely balanced.

They have exceptional talent in the batting department, which has a nice mixture of youth and experience. There are tried and tested performers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, while young Shubman Gill has displayed terrific form with the willow. In the bowling, India possesses unarguably one of the most dangerous attacks comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav. 

All-rounder Hardik Pandya’s success with the ball augurs really well for India ahead of the World Cup. His presence when he bowls adds much-needed balance to the side. In Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur and R Ashwin, the Men in Blue have three genuinely good all-rounders.

Defending champions England won’t have it easy in India. But one thing is for sure – they won’t die wondering. The Englishmen have an extremely explosive batting line-up, which can put any opposition bowling to the sword. Skipper Jos Buttler will be hugely confident, having tasted a lot of success in India during the IPL. If the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone get going, they have the potential to be unstoppable.

The talismanic Ben Stokes marked his return to the ODI fold by notching up the highest individual score by a male England batter against New Zealand. Dawid Malan, too, has been in excellent form, while the seasoned Joe Root will be expected to deliver the goods. 

England have some fine talent in the bowling and all-round department as well. Moeen Ali can contribute significantly with the bat and chip in with his off-spin if needed. There is Sam Curran, who was the Player of the Final when England won the T20 World Cup last year. On his day, he can win games on his own, particularly with the ball in hand.

Among bowlers, a lot of eyes would be on speedster Mark Wood after his Ashes heroics. If fit, he can be England’s X factor at the World Cup. Chris Woakes will be relied upon to deliver the goods with the ball in hand. Left-arm pacer Reece Topley has made an impact in ODI cricket, while leg-spinner Adil Rashid has the experience to make a significant contribution.

A full-strength Aussie squad has the potential to make life difficult for any team in the World Cup. They would be praying that their main players are fit for the mega event.

If we look at Australia’s 15-member squad for the World Cup, they have proven performers like Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis in the batting department. Each of these players are capable of winning games on their own, with the last three having the ability to contribute with the ball as well. 

Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has also played some wonderful knocks and could be the five-time champions’ X-factor in the batting department. If he is fit, Cameron Green will provide a good balance to the Aussie playing XI as he can bat and bowl. He can perform a similar role to what Pandya is doing for India.

Australia also have a high-class bowling attack that can knock over the best of opponents on their day. Apart from skipper Pat Cummins, there are Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in the pace department and Adam Zampa in the spin department. Nothing really needs to be said about them, for their performances and their records speak for themselves. The progress in the ODI World Cup could, however, depend on how fit their key players are. 

Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa the dark horses 

Among other teams, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa can be termed dark horses for the World Cup. Babar Azam and co. might be back to their unpredictable ways, but they remain as dangerous as ever. With the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan in the team, you can never write them off.

New Zealand were unlucky not to lift the World Cup in 2019 due to a bizarre boundary-count rule. They are also battling some injury issues. If their main players are available, they should come up with a good showing in the World Cup. As for South Africa, they do not have the tag of favourites this time, but they have enough potential in their team to go all the way if they are at their very best.

Sri Lanka the potential joker in the pack

If we had to pick a joker in the pack, it would have to be Sri Lanka. A bit like Pakistan, they could blow hot or cold, but it cannot be denied that they have the potential to upset the best if they get their act right.

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In the cricketing landscape of 2023, as India basks in the glory of their recent triumph in the Asia Cup, there’s a sombre note that resonates – the conspicuous absence of Sanju Samson from the World Cup squad. With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 just weeks away, the exclusion of the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has ignited a debate that has been simmering for some time. Sanju Samson, once touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket, has had his chances but has remarkably failed to seize his spot, especially in the absence of key players like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Moreover, the sensational rise of Ishan Kishan, who blazed a trail with a double century and a game-saving 80 against arch-rivals Pakistan, has cast a shadow over Samson’s career. The question now looms large: Is this truly the end of the road for Sanju Samson?

A Talent Unfulfilled

Sanju Samson, a talent unfulfilled, symbolizes the tantalizing yet enigmatic journey of a cricketer who once held immense promise. Bursting onto the scene as a precocious talent from Kerala, he dazzled with his elegant batting and adept wicketkeeping skills. However, his inability to consistently translate potential into performance has left fans and pundits alike yearning for more. Samson’s career has been marked by flashes of brilliance, often followed by prolonged phases of inconsistency, preventing him from establishing a firm foothold in the Indian cricketing landscape. At 28 years old, the clock is ticking, and Samson stands at a crossroads where he must address his consistency woes to fulfil the potential that once had cricketing aficionados brimming with excitement.

Opportunities Come and Go

Opportunities have arrived in abundance for Sanju Samson, but they have proved elusive to grasp. Gifted with a stylish batting flair and reliable glovework, Samson has been entrusted with numerous chances to secure a permanent role in the Indian cricket team. However, these opportunities have often slipped through his fingers. Despite glimpses of his immense talent, Samson’s inconsistency has prevented him from cementing his place. In the ever-competitive world of international cricket, where consistency is paramount, Samson’s struggle to convert potential into performance has left his journey in a constant state of flux, raising questions about his future on the national stage.

The Shreyas Iyer Dilemma

One of the primary reasons behind Samson’s lack of a permanent spot in the team is the emergence of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer’s consistent performances in the middle order have made him an indispensable part of the Indian batting lineup. His ability to anchor the innings and play the role of a finisher effectively has left limited room for Samson to manoeuvre.

The KL Rahul Conundrum

The conundrum deepened for Samson with the versatility of KL Rahul. Rahul’s ability to don multiple hats – from opening the innings to keeping wickets – has made him a lynchpin in the side. Samson’s quest to find a consistent place in the team became even more daunting with Rahul’s multifaceted skill set on display.

Ishan Kishan: The Rising Star

The most compelling factor that has intensified Samson’s predicament is the meteoric rise of Ishan Kishan. The young wicketkeeper-batsman from Jharkhand burst onto the international scene with a breathtaking double century and a nerve-calming 80 against arch-nemesis Pakistan. Kishan’s fearless approach, ability to clear the boundaries, and electrifying fielding have made him an instant sensation in Indian cricket.

Kishan’s rapid ascent has led to a significant paradigm shift in India’s limited-overs configuration. He is now the front-runner for the role of a backup wicketkeeper-batsman in the squad, a position that Samson has been vying for.

Inconsistency – The Achilles’ Heel

Inconsistency stands as the Achilles’ heel in Sanju Samson’s cricketing journey. While he has flashed moments of brilliance that tantalize fans and selectors alike, the persistent irregularity in his performances has proven his greatest impediment. The unpredictable oscillation between scintillating innings and subpar outings has been a persistent challenge. In the high-stakes world of international cricket, reliability and consistency are paramount, traits that Samson must harness to secure his position. Until he addresses this Achilles’ heel and manages to deliver steady, noteworthy performances, his quest for a sustained spot in the national team will continue to be an uphill battle.

Age and Opportunity

At 28 years old, Samson is far from being over the hill in cricketing terms. However, the intensely competitive nature of Indian cricket, coupled with the emergence of younger talents like Ishan Kishan, has made his path to the national team narrower. In an era that places a premium on fitness, adaptability, and versatility, Samson faces an uphill battle to reclaim his spot.

As the clock ticks down to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the question of whether this marks the end of the road for Sanju Samson lingers ominously. His inconsistency, combined with the emergence of Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul’s versatility, and Ishan Kishan’s spectacular ascent, has created a challenging landscape for the Kerala cricketer.

While it is too early to write off a talent like Samson completely, it is apparent that he needs to undergo a metamorphosis in his approach and performance. In the cutthroat world of international cricket, consistency, adaptability, and the ability to thrive under pressure are the sine qua non, and these are the facets that Samson must refine.

In the twilight of his twenties, Samson still has time to resurrect his career. Whether he can rise to the occasion, make the necessary adjustments, and rekindle the selectors’ faith remains uncertain. Cricket is an unpredictable game, and Samson’s journey embodies the capricious nature of the sport. Only time will tell whether this indeed marks the end of the road or the inception of a remarkable resurgence for Sanju Samson in the annals of Indian cricket.

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Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj has been around the international scene for a few years now. He made his T20I debut in November 2017 against New Zealand in Rajkot. Although he picked up the wicket of Kane Williamson, it was a rather forgettable debut as the bowler was smashed for 53 runs in four overs. Siraj then made his ODI debut in January 2019 in a match against Australia in Adelaide, a game in which he was again hammered for 76 runs in 10 overs and failed to claim a wicket. 

By the time he played his first Test against Australia in Melbourne during the famous 2020-21 series, the right-arm pacer was a much-improved bowler. However, for the subsequent period, he was being considered more of a red-ball bowler as question marks over his white ball ability persisted. Over the course of the last year, though, he has been absolutely brilliant across all formats of the game. His sensational performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final was like a “dream come true”, in his own words, but was also the result of a lot of hard yards that the bowler had put in behind the scenes to become the potent force that he is today.

Siraj’s international record since October 2022

If we look at Siraj’s performance in international cricket over the last year, starting October 2022, he has played 19 ODI matches in which he has claimed a rich bag of 40 wickets at an excellent average of 15.22, with a best of 6/21 in the Asia Cup 2023 final in Colombo. Siraj has been almost equally good home and away, averaging 14.79 and 13.07, respectively, although it must be noted that all these games have been played in Asia. Other than his six-for against Sri Lanka, Siraj’s other notable performances over the last year include 3/38 against South Africa in Ranchi (October 2022), 3/32 against Bangladesh in Mirpur (December 2022), 3/30 vs Sri Lanka in Kolkata (January 2023), 4/32 vs Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram (January 2023), 4/46 vs New Zealand in Hyderabad (January 2023) and 3/29 against Australia in Mumbai (March 2023). The numbers explain why Siraj rose to the No. 1 ranking in the format. 

In T20Is as well, he was excellent during the tour of New Zealand late last year, registering figures of 2/24 in Mount Maunganui and 4/17 in Napier. As for Tests, he has picked up 19 scalps in eight matches, with an impressive five-for against West Indies at Port of Spain on a surface where there wasn’t much for bowlers. In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, he commendably took charge and lifted his game, displaying good leadership qualities.

What has made Siraj so dangerous?

As mentioned earlier, Siraj is a completely different bowler from what he was in the past. Earlier, there were times when he was erratic and unpredictable as well – someone who could bowl some brilliant deliveries and then spray it all around. However, Siraj 2.0 is a much more refined version of the earlier self. While aggression remains a big part of his game, just like Virat Kohli, he has definitely worked a lot on his bowling skills.

Unlike earlier, Siraj now has the ability to move the ball both and has great control as well over his deliveries. Rarely do you see him bowling loose balls. The batters have a tough task on hand because they are often unsure of whether the ball is coming in or going out. The wobble seam delivery that he has developed has also turned into a highly potent weapon for him, making him a lot more versatile.

After picking up a four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram at the start of this year, Siraj admitted that having the wobble seam delivery in his armory has been one of the big reasons behind his success in recent times. He revealed, “It is always difficult for batters in all formats if you bowl the right line. I started bowling with wobble seam in the nets to develop the in-swinger. The wobble seam keeps the batters guessing where the ball will go.”

While there has never been any doubt over Siraj’s ability, there have been concerns with regard to his over-aggression over the years. However, success seems to have brought in a lot of maturity in the 29-year-old. And while he still doesn’t back down from staring the batter down in the eye or chirping away at them for missing and playing, what stands out now in his bowling is the fact that there is a method to Miyan’s Magic.

Siraj, Bumrah – A deadly opening combo for the World Cup

One of the key reasons why the Men in Blue are being considered favourites for the ICC World Cup 2023 at home is because of their extremely dangerous bowling attack. As a pair, Siraj and Bumrah are right up there among the best. In recent years, Bumrah has had to carry the burden alone since Mohammed Shami has been somewhat inconsistent in the format, while the others have also not been up to the mark.

Over the last year, though, Siraj has proved a number of times that he can be Team India’s potential X factor at the World Cup. He can make the ball talk in conditions where most other pace bowlers are rendered ineffective. It’s a skill set that only a few gifted bowlers possess. As a bowling pair, Siraj and Bumrah complement each other brilliantly and, if they get it right, can make life extremely difficult for opposition batters at the ODI World Cup in India.

Bumrah will, of course, go into the World Cup as Team India’s lead pacer. But Siraj has given enough proof that he can be equally destructive with the ball, both at the start and at the death. And so, apart from Boom Boom Bumrah, all teams taking part in the ODI World Cup in India will be equally wary of not succumbing to Miyan Magic!

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Team India named their 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to be played at home from October 5 to November 19 earlier this month. There were not too many surprises in the Rohit Sharma-led squad, which is, on expected lines, very similar to the one picked for the Asia Cup. Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj were more or less automatic choices. Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur staved off some stiff competition to get the nod in the 15-member team ahead of a few others.

The Men in Blue do not have a lot of games left ahead of their first World Cup, which will be a tough one against five-time world champions Australia. After the Asia Cup, they will feature in a three-match ODI series against the Aussies at home. It’s thus an apt time to analyze whether Team India’s preparations for the mega event are on the right track and the areas of improvement that captain Rohit, coach Rahul Dravid, and the entire team management need to work on.

Rohit Sharma’s form a big boost

First things first, skipper Rohit’s sublime form is great news for Team India ahead of the World Cup. The Indian captain has been under a bit of pressure to perform ever since taking over full-time leadership. The man himself will be the first person to admit that his performances have not always been up to the mark. However, things have been rather optimistic in recent times regarding his batting.

Since the start of 2023, he has played 13 ODI innings, scoring 577 runs at an average of 52.45. During this phase, Rohit has crossed the three-figure mark once and has five half-centuries to his name – three of them in consecutive games during the Asia Cup. The 36-year-old had a stupendous 2019 World Cup in England, notching up five hundreds. India will also be hoping for some big performances from their leader in the upcoming World Cup.

Kohli is the key, but Gill’s inconsistency and Shreyas’ injury are a worry

Besides Rohit, another senior batter, Virat Kohli, will be equally crucial to India’s fortunes in the ODI World Cup, perhaps even more. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a purple patch in white ball cricket even since overcoming his long-run drought in international cricket. Since the start of 2023, Kohli has played 12 one-day knocks and smashed three hundreds. He has scored 556 runs at an average of 55.60 and has looked pretty much back to his best in the format he seems to enjoy the most. 

However, if we remove Kohli and Rohit, there are a couple of issues for India in the batting department. Shubman Gill has not been the same since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. There have been games in which he has scored big runs, but there have also been phases where he has looked completely out of sorts and has fallen to soft dismissals, which doesn’t augur well with the World Cup just days away.

The fitness issues with Shreyas Iyer are another major cause of concern. When available, the right-handed batter has been an asset for the team in one-day cricket. However, he has been more out than in the group over the last few months owing to his back issues. Having made a comeback for the Asia Cup after a rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shreyas picked up back spasms ahead of the Super 4 match against Pakistan. His continued fitness troubles will jeopardize India over his World Cup spot. Teams have till September 28 to modify their squads, after which any change will require an ICC sanction. It remains to be seen how India deal with the tricky Shreyas puzzle.

KL’s impressive return, Kishan’s big statement, SKY’s unpredictability 

The injury to Shreyas gave KL Rahul an opportunity to push his case on a comeback, and the latter grabbed the chance with both hands. He struck a sublime hundred against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 match and followed it up with a fluent 39 on a tricky spinning surface against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Like Shreyas, there were question marks over Rahul’s form and fitness since he was also returning from a layoff. However, Rahul looked in great touch not only with the bat but behind the stumps as well. He is set to don the gloves in the World Cup, although the move comes with risks. Overall, the team management will be extremely pleased with his comeback.

Ishan Kishan, the other keeper-batter, has been excellent with the willow in one-day cricket. He has shown very good consistency, and his knock under pressure in the group game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup was a clear sign of his maturity. On the other hand, the decision to retain Suryakumar Yadav in the ODI squad for the World Cup is debatable. He has a terrific T20I record but has been abysmal in one-dayers, where he is still trying to find his feet. India are expecting him to be the joker in the pack, but it’s a move that’s clearly like a double-edged sword.

Strong in pace, but can Axar support Kuldeep, Jadeja?

With the return of Bumrah, India look strong in the pace department. Siraj and Shami had been carrying the bowling on their shoulders in Bumrah’s absence. Hardik Pandya’s bowling rhythm in the Asia Cup – bowling at 140 kmph – is also a positive sign for India heading to the World Cup. However, the decision to drop seasoned leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is as debatable as the one to pick SKY. Of course, it’s very clear that Chahal has paid the price for India’s thought process of preferring batting depth over pure bowling skills. This is precisely why pace-bowling all-rounder Thakur and left-arm spinning all-rounder Axar are in the team. The big decision could have a far-reaching impact – to the extent of making or breaking India’s World Cup campaign.

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In the cricketing world of 2023, all eyes were on the ongoing Asia Cup, where India had successfully made it to the finals. This prestigious tournament was a platform for teams to assert their dominance and a crucial stepping stone leading up to the highly anticipated World Cup, set to be held in India. Amidst this cricketing frenzy, the question on everyone’s lips was, “Is Virat Kohli back to his best?” The Indian batting maestro, who had been under scrutiny for a period of inconsistent form, provided a resounding answer when he scored a century against arch-rivals Pakistan in a rain-truncated two-day match during the Super 4 stage. In this article, we delve into the resurgence of Virat Kohli and analyze whether he has reclaimed his status as one of the world’s premier batsmen.

1. Century Against Pakistan: A Defining Moment

Virat Kohli‘s century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup was a cricketing spectacle. In a match heavily impacted by rain, reduced to a mere two-day contest, Kohli’s century was a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. His ability to thrive under challenging conditions and against a fierce rival showcased his class and character. Although he was not captaining the side in this tournament, Kohli’s performance resonated with cricket fans worldwide and silenced the critics who had questioned his recent form.

2. Dominating the Long-Format Arena

In 2022, Virat Kohli finally broke a dry spell that had lasted for two years without a century. His century against Afghanistan marked a significant turning point in his career, and since then, he has been on a remarkable run of scoring centuries in almost every long-format series he’s played. Kohli’s resurgence has been nothing short of sensational, and he has left his mark against various opponents, including Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh, and now Pakistan. This prolific run of centuries across different conditions and against diverse bowling attacks underscores his unrivaled consistency and dominance in international cricket. Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver century after century has not only silenced his critics but has also cemented his reputation as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. His hunger for runs and his unrelenting pursuit of excellence continue to inspire cricket fans worldwide.

3. Kohli’s Evolving Role in the Team

A noteworthy aspect of Virat Kohli’s journey in 2023 is the change in his role within the team. Unlike previous years, Kohli was not captaining the Indian side in the Asia Cup; that role was entrusted to Rohit Sharma. This shift allowed Kohli to focus solely on his batting, relieving him of the added pressure of leadership responsibilities. Consequently, he seemed more relaxed and rejuvenated, enabling him to return to his signature form. While Rohit Sharma’s captaincy flourished, Kohli’s primary role was to anchor the innings and score crucial runs, which he performed admirably.

4. Reaffirming Technical Brilliance

Kohli’s return to form also reaffirmed his technical brilliance as a batsman. His ability to adapt to different formats, conditions, and bowling attacks has been a hallmark of his career. During the Asia Cup, Kohli displayed his remarkable ability to rotate strike, find gaps, and consistently find the boundary. His sound technique and wide range of shots make him a formidable force in international cricket, ensuring he can excel in various situations and settings.

5. Preparing for the World Cup

The proximity of the World Cup, scheduled to be held in India, added an extra layer of significance to Virat Kohli’s resurgence. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits this marquee event, Kohli’s return to form becomes all the more important for India. His century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup can be seen as the starting point for India’s World Cup preparations. While not leading the team, Kohli’s performances have instilled confidence and hope within the Indian cricket fraternity. As the team gears up to regain the coveted trophy on home soil, Kohli’s role as a batting stalwart becomes pivotal in the team’s campaign.

In the midst of the 2023 Asia Cup, Virat Kohli’s century against Pakistan served as a defining moment in his illustrious career. It was not merely about the runs he scored; it was a resounding statement that he had reclaimed his position as one of the world’s premier batsmen. Kohli’s consistency across formats, his evolving role within the team, and his reaffirmed technical brilliance were all indicative of a player who was back at his best.

Moreover, the fact that he was not captaining the side in this tournament allowed him to focus solely on his batting, a change that seemed to re-energize him. As India prepares for the upcoming World Cup, Kohli’s resurgence is a positive sign for the team’s prospects on home soil. While the unpredictability of cricket always keeps fans guessing, one thing is clear: Virat Kohli’s return to form in 2023 has rekindled hope and excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide as they eagerly await his performances in the grandest stage of them all.

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