Dubai, The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023, featuring outstanding performances from Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli, and Daryl Mitchell. Each of these players has made significant contributions to their teams in the One Day International format over the past year.
According to International Cricket Council, Indian batsman Shubman Gill had a breakthrough year in international cricket, amassing 1584 runs at an average of 63.36. His achievements included being the fifth-highest run-scorer by an Indian in a year in ODIs, only surpassed by legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly. With five centuries and a strike-rate over 100, Gill formed a formidable opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. He also became the youngest double centurion of the year with a spectacular 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad, contributing nearly 60% of the team runs in that innings.
Mohammed Shami, another nominee from India, had an exceptional year, especially in the second half, peaking at the Cricket World Cup. He emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 24 wickets at an average of 10.7. Shami’s performance included three five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul in just seven matches. His record-breaking 7/57 against New Zealand in the semi-final was a highlight, marking the best figures by an Indian in men’s ODIs.
Virat Kohli continued his remarkable form, particularly in ODIs, and was named the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. He scored a record 765 runs in the tournament, the most ever by an individual in a men’s Cricket World Cup, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record from 2003. Kohli achieved an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31, with his performance in the semi-final against New Zealand being particularly noteworthy.
From New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell had an outstanding year in ODIs, scoring 1204 runs, the third-most by a New Zealander in a calendar year. He was instrumental during the World Cup, particularly in the absence of Kane Williamson, scoring 552 runs in the tournament. Mitchell’s performances against India were especially notable, with two hundreds that challenged the dominant host team.
The ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 nominees showcase the high level of talent and performance in international cricket, highlighting individual achievements that have significantly contributed to the sport.