ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled to start from 5th October 2023 with a marquee clash between England and New Zealand at the world’s largest Narendra Modi Stadium in India. Most teams have already revealed their squads for the World Cup and the remaining teams have till 28th September 2023 to announce their squads for World Cup 2023. However, we all know what the squads are going to shape up to be as the core group of each team is going to remain the same. Here in this article we have covered the seven underrated cricketers who can steal the limelight in ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
1- Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne is quite underrated when it comes to ODIs. He is not even in the provisional squad of Australia but is expected to be included in the final squad for World Cup 2023. Recently Marnus smashed 80 odd not out to win a match against South Africa and then followed it up with a blistering century in the following match. He plays spin well and will be the key for Australia in the middle overs.
2- Iftikhar Ahmed
Iftikhar Ahmed is a Pakistani batting all-rounder who plays as a finisher and a part time spinner for Babar Azam’s team. He is a good player of spin and has shown exemplary hitting skills. Iftikhar can supprise everyone in the upcoming World Cup to emerge as one of the best finishers in the tournament.
3- Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma, the South African skipper is definitely the most underrated opener in ODIs right now. He has proved that he plays with a healthy strike rate and can bat responsibly to save the wickets when necessary. Bavuma recently notched up a century against the Australian team when his team was struggling to score runs.
Also read: ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 Schedule
4- Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha is a flamboyant Pakistani cricketer who is currently failing in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. However, Agha has shown in the past that he the talent to score quick runs when his team requires. He brings a variety to the Pakistani batting line-up and can prove to be a great finisher alongside Iftikhar Ahmed in the upcoming World Cup.
5- Sean Abbott
The Australia bowling all-rounder is selected ahead of Nathan Ellis in the World Cup 2023 squad. He is a pace bowler who can provide the Australian team with quick handy runs at the end of their innings. Abbott is a no nonsense attacker and can play instead of Josh Hazlewood in the playing 11 of Australia in World Cup.
6- Sadeera Samarawickrama
The Sri Lankan batter is a natural attacker by instinct and can defy the odds to emerge as the best number four in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Recently, Sadeera smashed 93 off just 72 against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023 when his team members were struggling against the bowlers. He is a find who will surely make an impact in the upcoming World Cup.
7- Dawid Malan
England is a heavy weight team and the current World Cup champions. Their batters are known be explosive in nature. Everyone is talking about Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone. However, Dawid Malan who was once the top ranked batter in the T20I format is going unnoticed by the media and fans. Malan is a brilliant player of spin and he can definitely turn out to be a dominating power in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
