As the curtains fell on an exhilarating Cricket World Cup 2023, renowned former South Africa batsman AB De Villiers assembled a team of eleven outstanding cricketers to form his personal ‘Team of the Tournament’, a dream ensemble that reflects individual brilliance and sheer dominance in the recently concluded global spectacle. Notably, the lineup showcased a strong Indian contingent, with five players from the subcontinent earning their spots, although Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah did not make the cut.
Leading the charge for India were batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, complimented by the skilled Shreyas Iyer. On the bowling front, seamer Mohammed Shami was recognized for his lethal prowess, while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion underlined his significant contributions. AB De Villiers’ selection mirrored to some extent the official ICC Team of the Tournament, with KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah being replaced by Iyer and others.
Striking an offbeat note, the team compiled by De Villiers uniquely omitted the inclusion of any wicket-keeper, an unconventional move by the cricketing maestro. This decision highlights a pure focus on the individual performances rather than traditional team balance, as all players were selected based on their World Cup feats.
In the course of the prestigious tournament, Rohit Sharma emerged as a standout performer. His explosive opening knocks commanded attention and contributed heavily to his team’s campaign. Additionally, Sharma achieved a personal milestone, clinching the record for the maximum number of sixes in a single World Cup event, thereby surpassing AB De Villiers’ own record for ODI sixes in a calendar year.
Virat Kohli, known for his chase-master antics and consistent run-getting ability, concluded the tournament as the top run-scorer, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s modern greats. Yet, it wasn’t solely a batsman’s game, as Mohammed Shami dominated the bowling charts, ending up as the highest wicket-taker with 24 dismissals to his name.
Not confined to cricketing powerhouses, De Villiers’ dream team embraced players from various countries, featuring talents like Australia’s standout performer in the World Cup final, Travis Head. The team was further bolstered by the inclusion of rising Kiwi star Rachin Ravindra, the hard-hitting Glenn Maxwell, leg-spinner Adam Zampa, Sri Lankan pace sensation Dilshan Madushanka, and South African young gun Gerald Coetzee. Each of these players carved their niche in the tournament through exceptional performances.
For New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, this World Cup was nothing short of a breakthrough, with the youngster grabbing his chances and amassing an impressive 578 runs. His skillful plays and consistency earned him a well-deserved spot in the team of the tournament as envisioned by De Villiers.
AB De Villiers’ Cricket World Cup 2023 Team of the tournament reads as follows: Travis Head, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rachin Ravindra, Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Ravindra Jadeja, Adam Zampa, Dilshan Madushanka, Gerald Coetzee, and Mohammad Shami.
This selection underscores De Villiers’ keen eye for talent and his recognition of the diverse set of skills that players brought to the grand stage of the World Cup. While some of these players were key in steering their respective teams to glory, others shone brightly even when the chips were down. The team is reflective of De Villiers’ eclectic and strategic approach to the game — an emphasis on impact over roles, and excellence over convention.
Keeping the excitement alive, fans can stay updated on the latest happenings in the cricket world, look forward to future schedules, and remain engaged through social media platforms and dedicated cricket applications. This envisioned team might not take the field together, but it certainly sparks the imagination, representing the extraordinary array of talent that graced the World Cup of 2023.