Introduction
The 2023 Cricket World Cup will be held in the Indian subcontinent starting on October 5. This event marks India's second chance to host the prestigious tournament, having previously organized the fifty-over competition in 2011. However, over a decade has passed since then, and the participating teams look vastly different. Only a handful of players who participated in CWC 2011 have made it to the upcoming 2023 edition. In this article, we will take a closer look at eight such players who continue to be a part of the cricketing world's biggest stage.
Player 1: Virat Kohli
Twelve long years after Mahendra Singh Dhoni launched Nuwan Kulasekara into the roaring stands of Wankhede, a lot has changed for Team India. Titans like Sachin Tendulkar, MSD, Yuvraj, and Gautam Gambhir have all retired. Kohli, who made 35 in the 2011 final and will turn 35 mid-tournament, is the only one left. In what is likely to be the last World Cup for The Chase Master, the 274 ODI veteran will be pivotal to India's hopes.
Player 2: Steve Smith
The Kangaroos' story isn't too different from the Men in Blue. Then-skipper Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson, Brett Lee, and others have all retired. There's just one player left from their 2011 WC squad. Smith, who played the 2011 Cricket World Cup as a leg-spinner, is entering the 2023 CWC after transitioning into one of the most feared batsmen of his generation. Known for his big-match appetite and skill against spin, Steve Smith has his task cut out if the Australians are to do well in India.
Player 3: Kane Williamson (subject to fitness)
If the Kiwi batsman recovers from his shoulder injury in time, he will be one of the two NZ players to feature in the 2023 CWC. During the 2011 World Cup, Kane scored just 99 runs off 4 matches. The batter now averages 48 in ODIs and has tonned up 13 times in the format.
Player 4: Tim Southee
The swinging sensation from New Zealand is one of the three bowlers who have made it this far. The right-armer took 18 wickets (2nd most across teams) in 2011. Though he isn't the same 22-year-old menace anymore, Tim will be looking to make an impact this time around as well.
Player 5: Adil Rashid
The leg-spinner from England warmed the bench as Graeme Swann and James Tredwell were preferred over him in 2011. However, Adil Rashid has now become the premier limited-overs spinner for England. The crafty turner will be itching to bowl on turning subcontinental tracks throughout Cricket World Cup 2023.
Player 6: Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib, when he last visited India for ODI WC, showed promise to be a good all-rounder, taking 8 wickets and scoring 142 runs during the tournament. Fast forward to 2023, the 36-year-old can be labeled as one of the best ODI all-rounders ever. The greatest to ever represent Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan has mustered 7132 runs and 301 scalps thus far. Shakib also featured in the 2007 World Cup at the age of 20 and this year will play the marquee event for the 5th time.
Player 7: Mushfiqur Rahim
Sachin Tendulkar's height-twin and a wildlife activist spreading awareness against the dwindling number of Naagins across the globe, Mushfiqur Rahim is another Bangladeshi player who featured in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and will also grace its 2023 edition. The Bangladesh keeper also made his appearance in the 2007 CWC and he will only be the 2nd player from the tournament (after Shakib Al Hasan) to be a part of Cricket World Cup 2023 as well.
Player 8: Wayne Parnell
Left-arm pacer capable of swinging the ball and hitting hard lengths, Wayne Parnell was a part of the Protea squad that participated in the 2011 CWC. He didn't get a game during the event and failed to be a regular starter even after it. Thus, Parnell signed a Kolpak deal, plying his trade for English counties at the cost of not being able to represent his nation. Kolpak was scrapped in 2020, and since then, Parnell has been an important player for the Temba Bavuma-led side thanks to lower competition for bowling spots.
Conclusion
In the 2023 Cricket World Cup, these eight players from the 2011 edition will bring their experience, skills, and renewed determination to make a mark on the cricketing world once again. Their journeys from 2011 to 2023 reflect the evolution of the sport and the enduring excellence of these cricketing stalwarts.
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