Among all those lauding the exceptional young talent that took centre stage in ODI World Cup 2023 was former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, who recently shared his list of the top five youngsters who have shone in the ICC showpiece event.
It is worth mentioning that Irfan has been an integral part of India’s many historic triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He represented the country in 173 international games, taking an impressive 301 wickets. The veteran all-rounder also contributed with the bat and has overall 2821 international runs to his name.
Irfan Pathan unveils the list of his best five youngsters of the ODI World Cup 2023
Irfan revealed his picks for the five best youngsters in the ODI World Cup by taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle following the conclusion of the tournament’s last league-stage match
1) Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand’s young maestro
Irfan’s first pick comes as no surprise, as he selected New Zealand’s rising star, Rachin Ravindra. The young Kiwi batter has etched his name in history by becoming the player with the most World Cup centuries before the age of 25. Ravindra’s three centuries in nine games, accumulating a total of 565 runs, have not only broken records but have also made him a vital asset for New Zealand in their World Cup campaign.
2) Shreyas Iyer – Backbone of India’s middle-order
Irfan’s second choice is India’s dynamic batter Shreyas Iyer. Despite a shaky start to the World Cup, Iyer showcased his resilience by bouncing back brilliantly. With 421 runs in nine games, including one century and three half-centuries, he has been a crucial pillar in India’s batting line-up. Iyer’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure has undoubtedly impressed the former Indian cricketer.
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3) Marco Jansen – Proteas’ all-round dynamo
The third spot on Irfan’s list goes to South Africa’s all-rounder, Marco Jansen. Making significant contributions in both the batting and bowling departments, Jansen amassed 157 runs in eight matches, complemented by a remarkable tally of 17 wickets. His all-round performance has been instrumental in South Africa’s journey through the tournament.
4) Azmatullah Omarzai – Afghanistan’s emerging star
Irfan’s fourth pick is Afghanistan’s versatile talent, Azmatullah Omarzai. Making a name for himself as the best asset for Afghanistan, Omarzai showcased his prowess in both batting and bowling. With 353 runs and seven wickets in the tournament, the young Afghan cricketer has proven to be a valuable asset for his team.
5) Dilshan Madushanka – Sri Lanka’s bowling sensation
Rounding off Irfan’s top five is Sri Lanka’s bowling sensation, Dilshan Madushanka. With an impressive tally of 21 wickets in nine games, Madushanka emerged as a standout bowler in the tournament. His ability to consistently trouble batters and take crucial wickets has made him a force to be reckoned with in the Sri Lankan line-up.
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