Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, while assessing India’s top player in 2023, identified numerous contenders. Sunil Gavaskar specifically highlighted Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive return from back surgery as a noteworthy aspect.
Jasprit Bumrah made a strong return to the Indian team during the Ireland T20Is. In the ODI format, he claimed 28 wickets in 16 innings with an impressive economy of 4.40. He made notable contributions in Tests and T20Is, taking four wickets each in both formats.
There are many contenders – Sunil Gavaskar
Speaking on Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues’, Sunil Gavaskar mentioned the challenge of selecting India’s top entertainer in 2023. He mentioned several contenders including Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj.
“That’s a tough question because I think there are a lot of contenders. Shubman Gill himself, Mohammed Shami with his bowling, Mohammed Siraj with his bowling in the Asia Cup final,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback and of course Virat Kohli’s absolutely incredible batting in the World Cup where he scored three hundreds and five fifties in nine or ten innings.” he added.
Shubman Gill emerged as the leading run-scorer in international cricket by 2023, scoring 2154 runs at an average of 46.82, with 7 centuries and 10 half-centuries. Mohammed Siraj bagged 37 wickets across all formats in 34 matches, including two five-wicket hauls.
Virat Kohli He displayed exceptional batting prowess in the 2023 World Cup, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 765 runs at a remarkable average of 95.62. Mohammed Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker, taking 24 wickets at an impressive average of 10.70.
Shubman Gill’s name will definitely be there – Irfan Pathan
Former cricketer Irfan Pathan selected Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as strong contenders for India’s best player of 2023. Pathan highlighted KL Rahul’s impressive performance in ODIs and emphasized Mohammed Shami’s notable contribution in the World Cup.
“If we look at artist of the year, Shubman Gill’s name will definitely be there, but there are two or three other contenders who were fantastic. KL Rahul – averaged 70 in ODI cricket, especially when he returned from injury. Furthermore, he also took the responsibility of wicketkeeping in Test cricket.” Pathan said.
“The century at Centurion will be considered special for years to come. I feel the third bowler is Mohammed Shami because he was not bowling in the normal position for him (with the new ball) in the World Cup.” he added.
KL Rahul took up wicketkeeping duties in the recent Test match against South Africa, despite his limited experience in first-class cricket. The right-handed batsman scored 101 runs in the first innings, contributing to the team’s decent total of 245 runs at Centurion.
The Rohit Sharma-led team endured one innings and a 32-run loss in the series opener. The second and final Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3-7.
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