Cricket Australia unveils their 2023 World Cup 'Team of the Tournament'; Captain's name will surprise you

After more than a month, 45 matches and enthralling moments, the 2023 ODI World Cup is entering its final week. Table toppers India will face New Zealand in the first semi-final at the Wankhed Stadium in Mumbai on November 15. Meanwhile, second-placed South Africa will face Australia in the second knockout match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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The tournament witnessed many individual and team records being broken. Experts and former cricketers have started picking their best players from the group stage who set the mega stage on fire. Cricket Australia also unveiled their 2023 World Cup 'Team of the Tournament'. However, there is no place for India captain Rohit Sharma! The veteran opener has been replaced by Australia's David Warner.

This came as a surprise to cricket fans and drew controversy from Australia as they left India's talisman off the list. Rohit Sharma and Warner have been at their best in this World Cup so far. Australia's decision to drop Rohit completely cannot be criticised as there is a neck-to-neck competition between Warner and India batter in terms of run scoring. 

With 503 runs at an average of 55.89 and a strike rate of 121.50, Rohit is currently fourth in the list of highest run scorers. On the other hand, Warner is ranked fifth with 499 runs at an average of 55.44 at a strike rate of 105.50. While both men have been formidable for their respective teams, considering the stats and Rohit's captaincy, Warner should have been left out.

Kohli to lead Cricket Australia's 2023 World Cup team  

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South Africa's Quinton de Kock is the opening partner of Warner. At No.3 they picked the find of the tournament, New Zeland all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. Virat Kohli, who finished the group stage as the top scorer, comes at No.4. Interestingly, as Rohit was dropped, Cricket Australia chose the former Indian captain as the tournament captain. Proteas hitter Aiden Markram will join Kohli in the middle-order. 

India's Ravindra Jadeja and Glenn Maxwell, who has set numerous records with his explosive batting, are the two spin-bowling all-rounders of the team. South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen will do the fast-bowling duties. Indian pace duo Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack. Adam Zampa, the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, is the spinner.  

Cricket Australia's best Playing XI from the group stage: Quinton De Kock, David Warner, Rachin Ravindra, Virat Kohli (C), Aiden Markram, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Adam Zampa, Jasprit Bumrah, Dilshan Madushanka (12th man)