Cricket fans worldwide are preparing for the most anticipated event in the sport as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals get near. Even while seasoned cricketers may draw attention, it's frequently the up-and-coming players that take centre stage. This article presents you with 10 up-and-coming players who have a significant effect on the cricketing scene and shine brightly in the competition.
| Player Name | Age | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Rachin Ravindra | 23 | New Zealand |
| Shubman Gill | 24 | India |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 23 | Pakistan |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 23 | Sri Lanka |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 21 | Afghanistan |
These five players are poised to light up the ODI World Cup and are expected to make history in the competition.
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Rachin Ravindra, an all-rounder from New Zealand, is the only player in World Cup cricket history to register three hundred in his maiden campaign. In Bengaluru, the southpaw scored another century against Pakistan to cap off a fantastic tournament. In the end, he was fired for 108 (94).
In the World Cup, Ravindra had already amassed massive scores against Australia (116) and England (123 not out). In the World Cup, he has scored more than 500 runs and is presently ranked second only to Quinton de Kock of South Africa (545).
Rachin Ravindra, an all-rounder from New Zealand, is the only player in World Cup cricket history to register three hundred in his maiden campaign. In Bengaluru, the southpaw scored another century against Pakistan to cap off a fantastic tournament. In the end, he was fired for 108 (94). On November 18, 1999, in Wellington, Ravindra was born to Indian parents.
In the World Cup, Ravindra had already amassed massive scores against Australia (116) and England (123 not out). In the World Cup, he has scored more than 500 runs and is presently ranked second only to Quinton de Kock of South Africa (545).
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Shubman Gill is not only the world's finest young ODI hitter at the moment, but he also makes a compelling argument for being the top ODI batter of the last 12 months. Since July 2022, Gill has amassed 1868 runs at an astounding average of 71.84 with a strike rate of 104.18 in just 32 innings. He has also amassed six centuries and nine half-centuries.
As India aims to snap a ten-year trophy drought, Shubman Gill will bat first alongside Rohit Sharma. The right-hander can hit for a very high strike rate and has demonstrated a desire to score big runs. His batting is also quite visually appealing. You name it: drives, pulls, cuts, atypical shots, etc.
Shubman Gill is competing in his first significant ICC white-ball competition as an Indian. As a result, throughout the World Cup, all eyes will be on him. Based on his recent performance in ODIs and even the IPL, a few pundits have selected them as the tournament's top run-getter.
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For the past three to four years, Shaheen Afridi has led Pakistan's bowling assault in all forms. The 2018 U-19 World Cup was where the left-arm fast bowler made his debut. In the same year, he made his senior squad debut in all forms. He wasn't your typical, everyday player. The future of Shaheen Shah Afridi was unique.
Rewind three years later. Speaking of Shaheen Shah Afridi, it would be impossible to overlook his outstanding performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai against India with the new ball. In both forms, it was Pakistan's maiden victory over India in a World Cup match.
With 44 matches played, Afridi has an amazing 86 wickets at an average of 23.36, a strike rate of 25.6, and an economy rate of 5.45. His best performance comes during the Powerplay overs when he takes 34 wickets at a strike rate of 30.3 and an average of 24.9. He has a strong record in the last ten overs as well, taking 39 wickets at a strike rate of 11.6 and an economy rate of 7.25. Thus, he does not go for abundance but gives you death wickets.
This is the second 50-over World Cup for Shaheen Afridi. He didn't start every game the previous time. He did, however, take 16 wickets in just five games. In Naseem Shah's absence, he will lead the pace trio of the accomplished Hasan Ali and the energetic Haris Rauf. Afridi would be crucial if Pakistan were to win the whole game in India.
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One of the most adaptable young spinners in the world right now is Maheesh Theekshana. With an average of 23.45, an economy rate of 4.50, and a strike rate of 31.2, he has claimed 44 wickets in 27 games. His bowling also stands up in the Indian Premier League, where he faces some of the top players in the world, even though those figures may be a bit exaggerated because Sri Lanka participated in the World Cup qualifiers.
The off-spinner with a right arm may bowl in any part of the game. His phase-wise stats in ODIs are shown here:
Wanindu Hasaranga's absence makes Theekshana's position even more crucial. Dunith Wellalage, a youthful all-around player, will be his partner. The Sri Lankan spin assault is a real threat to teams in this championship since Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka can each provide a couple pinch overs.
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Because of their accomplishments for T20 franchises worldwide, Afghanistan's batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran are more frequently mentioned when we talk about the sport. Although he isn't exactly a T20 weapon yet, the 21-year-old is a very potent ODI opener.
With a strike percentage of 84.35 and an average of 53.58, Ibrahim Zadran has amassed 910 runs in 19 innings. For some perspective, in the same matches, the rest of his teammates strike at 79.09 while averaging just 23.35. Not nearly one of the finest batting teams in the game, he has been the most important batsman for Afghanistan during this World Cup cycle.
Zadran has scored two centuries in Bangladesh and one in Sri Lanka, two of the most difficult places for visiting batsmen in one-day international cricket. Although he has demonstrated that he possesses the necessary minerals to compete on a global scale, will he be able to succeed there?
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