DUBAI: In a notable recognition, Rohit Sharma was appointed captain of the ICC ODI Team of the Year, featuring five other Indian players, including star batter Virat Kohli and the formidable pace duo of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
The team predominantly comprised players from the World Cup finalists – India (runner-up) and Australia (winner) – along with representatives from semi-finalists New Zealand and South Africa, as stated by the ICC.
The top order showcased openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit, the Indian captain, amassed 1,255 runs at an average of 52 in the previous year. Gill’s outstanding performance included a brilliant 208 against New Zealand, and he finished as the highest run-scorer in the format with 1,584 runs.
At number three in the order was Travis Head, displaying consistent performances throughout the year, with a notable highlight being his 137 in the World Cup final.
The middle order featured Indian stalwart Virat Kohli, followed by Daryl Mitchell, Heinrich Klaasen, and Marco Jansen. Kohli emerged as the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs for the year (1,337 runs) with six centuries. Mitchell’s exceptional performance included five centuries and 1,204 runs at an average of 52.34.
Klaasen had a standout moment with his match-winning 174 against Australia in Centurion.
The bowling attack comprised Australian Adam Zampa, along with the Indian trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Shami. Zampa claimed 38 wickets with a notable four-for in three successive World Cup fixtures. Siraj secured 44 wickets, including a stellar six for 21 against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final. Kuldeep bagged 49 ODI wickets, with his best figures being five for 25 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup’s Super-Four stage. Shami, consistently dominant, achieved four fifers, with his best figures being seven for 57 against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final in Mumbai.
Interestingly, no Indian player found a place in the ICC Women’s Team of the Year.
