As the excitement for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 reaches a fever pitch, fans and pundits alike are speculating about the stars who will shine the brightest. Recently, two-time World Cup winner and revered commentator, Lisa Sthalekar, revealed her first five picks for a Dream ODI XI. Her selections, covering both batting and bowling, offer a nuanced understanding of modern cricket.
Lisa Sthalekar’s Dream ODI XI for World Cup 2023: A Blend of Skill and Versatility
Jasprit Bumrah – The Three-Phase Maestro (No. 1)
Sthalekar kicks off her list with Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace sensation. She praises Bumrah for his skill in all three critical phases: the opening overs, middle overs, and death overs. Sthalekar considers him an irreplaceable asset in any ODI lineup, highlighting his versatility. Her rationale places emphasis on the importance of an opening bowler who can strike early and bowl during the death overs.
“I have to go Jasprit Bumrah at No.1. An opening bowler is very important as you need to pick up wickets early, but then also be able to bowl at the death when the players are going hard. He is someone that can be used in the middle overs as well, so is a handy bowler across all the three different phases,” stated Sthalekar as quoted by ICC.
Virat Kohli – The Showstopper (No. 2)
Next up is India’s cricket icon, Virat Kohli. Sthalekar identifies Kohli as the performer for the big stage. Especially given that the World Cup is in India, she expects Kohli to shine in front of a home crowd. Considering it’s likely his last ODI World Cup, Sthalekar sees this as a golden opportunity for Kohli to make a lasting impact.
“From a batting point of view, I am going to go with Virat Kohli at No.2. On the big stage in front of his home crowd, he is someone you would bank on getting runs and lifting [the trophy], as it will probably be his last World Cup. A chance for him to say farewell and to also do India proud,” added Sthalekar.
Babar Azam – Pakistan’s Anchor (No. 3)
Sthalekar’s third pick is Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain. She expects him to be a leading run-scorer during the tournament. Azam’s ability to guide the innings makes him invaluable to Pakistan’s batting line-up. Sthalekar sees the tournament conditions and the 50-over format as well-suited for Babar’s style of play.
“I think he (Babar) will score a lot of runs (at the World Cup). The conditions and the way the 50-over format is played will suit him. He is the type of guy that likes to lead from the front as well, and he is almost the glue to that Pakistan batting line-up,” said Sthalekar.
Steve Smith – The Adaptable Genius (No. 4)
The fourth spot goes to Steve Smith, former Australian captain. Sthalekar lauds Smith for his adaptability and mastery over spin, vital skills in Indian conditions. She believes Smith can anchor the middle overs, thus offering a strategic advantage.
“He is someone who has adapted his style to all types of conditions. He is a good player of spin, which I think will be important in those middle overs, and he will be able to control the innings from there,” explained Sthalekar.
Shaheen Afridi – The Fast and Furious (No. 5)
The fifth and final pick in Sthalekar’s list is Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi. She envisions Afridi as a game-changer, capable of causing disarray with his pace and movement. His skills in the death overs, sharpened by T20 experience, make him an asset in 50-over cricket.
“My last player will be left-arm quick from Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi. He is so damaging with the ball. What he can do with his pace and if he gets a bit of movement. Again, [he is] that type of bowler who can bowl at the death. T20 cricket has helped him, and he will have a huge impact at the 50-over World Cup,” concluded Sthalekar.
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Why These Picks Matter?
Sthalekar’s selections resonate for multiple reasons. Firstly, her balanced approach to picking both bowlers and batsmen offers an integrated view of modern ODI cricket. Secondly, the players she picks represent not just skill, but also versatility and adaptability, traits she values highly.
Moreover, her picks show a certain geographic diversity. This reflects the global nature of the sport and underlines that cricket is no longer dominated by just one or two nations. Indeed, her choices attest to the rise of subcontinental cricket, especially through players like Bumrah and Babar, who are set to be future legends of the game.
Furthermore, her focus on players who can excel in Indian conditions is a tactical move. Conditions in India can be uniquely challenging, due to the pitches, weather, and crowd pressure. Therefore, having players who can adapt is crucial.
Also, Sthalekar highlights the importance of experienced players like Kohli and Smith. Experience under pressure can be invaluable, especially in world tournaments where the stakes are sky-high.
Lastly, her emphasis on players skilled in multiple phases of the game — like Bumrah and Afridi — shows how much modern cricket has evolved. The ability to adapt and perform in various situations is a premium quality in today’s fast-paced ODI cricket.
Lisa Sthalekar’s Dream ODI XI for the 2023 World Cup is a carefully curated list that brings together some of the finest talents in modern cricket. Her choices not only reflect her deep understanding of the game but also give fans much to discuss and ponder as the world gears up for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
