The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will be the 13th edition of the mega-event, and the first to be held in India since 2011. While Team India would be looking to lift another World Cup title on home soil, some players will be more motivated as it could be their last chance to lift the coveted trophy. Here are five Indian players who could be playing their last ODI World Cup in 2023:
Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain and opener Rohit Sharma has been one of the most prolific run-scorers in ODI history, racking up 9837 runs in 244 matches at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 89.97. He holds the record for most ODI double hundreds (three) and the highest single score (264). He also scored five centuries at the 2019 World Cup, a feat no other batsman has achieved. However, Rohit will be 40 by the next World Cup and could struggle to maintain his fitness and form at the highest level.
Virat Kohli
The master batsman has been the backbone of India’s batting line-up for over a decade, Virat Kohli, racking up 12898 runs in 275 matches at an average of 57.32 and strike rate of 93.62. He has scored 46 ODI centuries, second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 49. While Kohli’s fitness has been commendable, it is highly unlikely that he will be motivated to continue in ODI at the age of 38 and that he will want to focus on his Test career after that.
Jasprit Bumrah
The ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s deadliest weapon in limited-overs cricket, with his ability to bowl yorkers, bouncers, and variations at any stage of the innings. He has taken 121 wickets in 72 ODIs at an average of 24.30 and an economy of 4.63. However, Bumrah’s workload and injury concerns could force him to reconsider his future in the over-50 format after the World Cup 2023. He could hang up his boots in ODIs to prolong his Test career and T20I.
Mohammad Shami
The right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Shami has been a consistent performer for India in ODIs, taking 162 wickets in 90 matches at an average of 25.99 and an economy of 5.61. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and shoot well on death overs. However, Shami has also struggled with injuries and fitness issues throughout his career, and he may not be able to keep up with his pace and intensity for long. He will be 36 years old at the time of the next World Cup.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best all-rounders in the world, having represented India in every format of the game. He has played in four ODI World Cups, from 2011 to 2023, and has been a key member of the Indian team. However, it is unlikely that he will play in the next ODI World Cup in 2027, for various reasons.
Jadeja will be 38 by the time of the next World Cup, which is considered to be beyond the best age for a cricketer. He may also want to retire from the 50+ format and concentrate on his Test and T20 career, where he has been most successful.
Meanwhile, Jadeja could face stiff competition from younger and up-and-coming players for a place in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. They may have more experience and exposure by 2027, with selectors preferring them over Jadeja.
