The fate of a cricketer can be very interesting. At one point, he could be at the top of his career but cut to a few years later, his situation could be completely different. A few players led their teams in an ODI World Cup before. However, in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup, they became reserve players. It is a big downfall for them. However, it needs to be appreciated that they are still ready to help the squad. Here, we take a look at two former ODI World Cup captains who became reserve players in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
1) Gulbadin Naib
Gulbadin Naib was the captain of Afghanistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup. Since then, he lost his position as the skipper and also eventually lost his place in the side. He helped the Afghans do well in the 2023 Asian Games. Then, he joined as a reserve player for his side in India.
Afghanistan has done well in the 2023 ODI WC. They have defeated some top teams. If some results go their way, they can set their sights on the semis. For that, they have to be in the same form that they have been in the last few weeks.
2) Angelo Mathews
Angelo Mathews is one of the former ODI World Cup captains who became a reserve player in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Angelo was the skipper of the side in the 2015 ODI World Cup.
Many expected him to play in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he got dropped a few months ago. Nevertheless, he got a chance to first become a travelling reserve for the side after multiple injuries. Later, he was announced as the replacement for Matheesa Pathirana. He played against England and looked to be in good form. Mathews has also started bowling and this balance is helping the team.
