WC 2023: Virat Kohli to Lead Cricket Australia Cricket’s Best XI for 2023 World Cup; Rohit Sharma Omitted

Melbourne, 13th November 2023: Cricket Australia has unveiled its best eleven for the 2023 World Cup after the conclusion of the league stage, with India’s Virat Kohli appointed as the captain. Surprisingly, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma failed to secure a spot in the team. The selected playing eleven is drawn from the four teams that qualified for the semi-finals.

Cricket Australia’s chosen squad comprises four players from India, three from South Africa and Australia each, and one from New Zealand. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s emerging pace sensation, Dilshan Madushanka, has been named the 12th player.

The responsibility of opening has been entrusted to Quinton de Kock and David Warner, with Cricket Australia emphasizing Warner’s consistent performance. Notably, Rohit Sharma boasts more runs, a better average, and a significantly superior strike rate compared to David Warner.

The middle order features Rachin Ravindra, Virat Kohli, Aiden Markram, and Glenn Maxwell. Kohli, the tournament’s leading run-scorer at the end of the league stage, was appointed captain by Cricket Australia, despite not leading the Indian team for several years.

Cricket Australia expressed confidence in the Indian pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in the fast bowling department, alongside Marco Jansen. Adam Zampa from Australia was selected among the spinners.

The Best XI:
1. Quinton de Kock (WK) – South Africa
2. David Warner – Australia
3. Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand
4. Virat Kohli (Captain) – India
5. Aiden Markram – South Africa
6. Glenn Maxwell – Australia
7. Marco Jansen – South Africa
8. Ravindra Jadeja – India
9. Mohammed Shami – India
10. Adam Zampa – Australia
11. Jasprit Bumrah – India

The exclusion of Rohit Sharma from Cricket Australia’s best XI has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, with opinions divided on the composition of the squad.