ICC World Cup 2023: Top 5 Emerging Stars to look out for

The 13th edition of the premier One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament, the Cricket World Cup, will take place in 2023. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is in charge of organising it, and India will host it from October 5 through November 19 of 2023. Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka are among the ten national teams competing in this competition. The top eight teams automatically qualified for this World Cup, and the final two spaces were filled by qualifiers, which introduced the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. The event promises heated cricket action, with the final taking place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

In this article let us have a look at some of the youngsters who could lit up the World Cup on fire with their splendid performances. 

Shubman Gill (India)

Shubman Gill has had a dream 2023. He has already made so many records this year. With his century against Australia in Indore, Gill surpassed former South African batsman Hashim Amla and current Pakistan captain Babar Azam in terms of runs scored in his first 35 ODI appearances. Along with his five centuries, Gill has 1200+ runs in 20 matches this year and five fifty centuries and five half centuries. With the World Cup being played in India, and the kind of form Gill is in, he could become the leading run scorer of the tournament helping India win an ICC trophy after a long wait of 10 years. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)

Afghanistan’s recent success in ODIs can be attributed in part to the impressive performances of opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. In 2021, he started his ODI career strongly, amassing 180 runs in three innings at an average of 60. Since 2022, Gurbaz has continued to shine, accumulating 778 ODI runs at an average of 35.36 and a strike rate of 80.95, including two fifties and four centuries, with a top score of 151. While Afghanistan’s spin trio is their primary weapon, Gurbaz’s ability to provide a strong platform with his aggressive batting is crucial for their success, as seen in his outstanding 151 against Pakistan.

Harry Brook (England)

Harry Brook’s journey to the World Cup has been absolutely amazing. He was not in the initial squad, but he kept knocking the door due to his consistent performances. Brook possesses immense potential and can influence the game in no time. He is much improved compared to his last visit in India. The English youngster is excellent against pace and especially spin bowling. If he gets an opportunity, he will definitely make a long lasting impression on the tournament. 

Matheesha Patirana (Sri Lanka)

The Baby Malinga is taking rapid strides in International cricket. He was touted as a 4 overs bowler, but he showed that he is more than just a yorker bowler. In the recently concluded Asia Cup, he turned the game quickly on its head with a match winning spell against Bangladesh. The fast bowler took 4-32 against the strong Bangladesh side which was looking to put a strong total on the board. He is someone who Sri Lanka would bank upon to take wickets whenever needed. Pathirana has played a whole IPL season in India and has enough knowledge about the conditions. He will look to uplift Sri Lanka with the ball in the absence of Hasaranga. 

Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)

Rachin, a 23-year-old all-rounder, is named for two legendary figures in Indian cricket: Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Indian-born Ravi Krishnamurthy, a software system architect, and Deepa Krishnamurthy gave birth to Rachin in Wellington. 

Rachin Ravindra is a talented New Zealand spin bowling all rounder. He has got a sound technique and is a crafty bowler. The dry and dusty pitches in India will suit him. In late 2021, Ravindra made his Test debut, facing 91 deliveries during the twilight in Kanpur, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s efforts in securing a draw. He will have a huge role to play in absence of Mitchell Santner. 

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