Every edition, we see many cricketers make their ODI World Cup debut. It is the dream of every aspiring player to be a part of this event. Similarly, a few would be playing their first ODI WC later this year in India. Some of the players in this list are established cricketers and would surprise many that they are playing the event for the first time. On that note, here, we take a look at the best-balanced XI of cricketers who will be playing the ODI World Cup for the first time.
Openers: Devon Conway and Shubman Gill
Conway and Gill will be the openers in this best-balanced XI of cricketers who will be playing the ODI World Cup for the first time. While Conway had a late international debut, in Gill’s case, his rise to the top was always expected.
Both these cricketers will play a key role for their respective teams in the upcoming event. Thanks to his IPL experience, Conway could well become one of the best batters in the tournament. Gill, though, will want to firmly announce his arrival by performing at the highest level.
Middle-Order: Travis Head, Shreyas Iyer and Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
All these three players are around the 30 mark when it comes to their age. Hence, it’s a bit of a surprise that they are operating in the ODI World Cup for the very first time.
Travis Head made his ODI debut in 2016, got to play in the Champions Trophy after that, but missed out on the 2019 World Cup. Shreyas Iyer is more of a recent cricketer, and if fit, he will play for India at No.4. For Klaasen, it is mostly about his current form that has put him in the ODI setup. Back then, he was still struggling to nail this format. Now, with the format itself having evolved, Klaasen is in a good space to leave an impact in India.
All-Rounders: Liam Livingstone, Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran
It will be a strong group of all-rounders for this best-balanced XI of cricketers who will be playing the ODI World Cup for the first time. All these three cricketers have got themselves elevated in their careers after the last ODI World Cup.
Livingstone at No.6 will be a bonus for England. Sam Curran will be the bowler around whom the English pace attack will be constructed. Wanindu Hasaranga can go on to become the leading wicket-taker of the tournament if he is fit. He will also be expected to do some duties with the willow.
Bowlers: Naseem Shah, Anrich Nortje and Mohammed Siraj
Anrich Nortje had an injury problem in 2019. Hence, he could not participate in England. His role will be crucial for the Proteas in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Naseem Shah is currently unfit but is likely to play a crucial role in the World Cup. Siraj will complete the pace attack of this XI. The Hyderabad man struggled initially but has now cemented his spot in the Indian Test and ODI squads.
