ODI World Cup 2023: Best Playing XI from group stage

After providing numerous exhilarating moments over the past month or so, the 2023 ODI World Cup is entering its business end. The mega tournament was whittled down from an initial 10 participants to four with three more matches to decide the champions. Hosts India were the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, thanks to their unbeaten run. South Africa locked the second spot, while Australia and New Zealand secured the third and fourth positions, respectively. 

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South Africa's Quinton de Kock was leading the list of top scorers till the final league game. With a half-century knock against the Netherlands, India's Virat Kohl climbed to the top spot. Meanwhile, Australian spinner Adam Zampa is the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets. India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah entered the top 5 with a two-wicket haul against Netherlands. The tournament also witnessed several records being broken and made.

In this article, we take a look at the best Playing XI from the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Top Order - Quinton de Kock (wk) Rohit Sharma (c) Virat Kohli

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A left-hand right-hand opening combination of Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma is a terror for any opposition bowlers. With 591 runs, including four centuries, de Kock is currently the second-leading run-scorer in the tournament. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma occupies the fourth spot with 503 runs, including a century and three half-centuries at a massive strike rate of 121.50. The captain who led India unbeaten in 9 consecutive matches will also lead this team.

It's a no-brainer that at No.3, Virat Kohli is the best option. The former India captain, who has smashed the joint most fifty-plus scores (7) in World Cup history, currently tops the list of highest run scorers. On the back of two centuries and five half-centuries, Kohli has amassed 594 runs at a staggering average of 99. 

Middle-Order - Rachin Ravindra, Aiden Markram

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New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is undoubtedly the find of the tournament. The youngster started his World Cup campaign with a century and continued his red-hot form to consistently feature in the top 5 list of leading run scorers. With 565 runs, including three centuries and two half-centuries, Ravindra is currently third on the list. 

South Africa's Aiden Markram comes at No. 5. His ability to accelerate in the death overs is the reason for picking him in this position. Markram started the tournament with an explosive century (off just 49 balls) against Sri Lanka. The right-hander has the ability to stabilize the innings and at the same time raise the scoring rate. He has amassed 396 runs in 9 innings at an average of 49.50 and a strike rate of 114.45.

All-rounders - Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen

Is there a better all-rounder in this tournament than Glenn Maxwell? His right-arm off-break deliveries and brutal hitting have been a boon for Australia. He hit a 40-ball hundred against the Netherlands, taking away the record from Aiden Markram for the fastest World Cup century. Later, his 128-ball 201 against Afghanistan went down in the history books as one of the greatest ODI knocks. Although Maxwell's bowling has not been at its best so far, he can be a game-changer with his all-round heroics. 

What a terrific tournament Marco Jansen has had so far in the tournament. The bowling all-rounder proved that he can be dangerous with the bat too. His 75 off 42 against England was a testament to that. The 23-year-old is currently sixth in the list of leading wicket-takers with 17 wickets at an average of 24.41. 

Bowlers - Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Adam Zampa, Dilshan Madushanka   

From sitting on the bench for the opening games to becoming Team India's trump card, Mohammed Shami is the ideal number eight option. Picking up 16 wickets in just 5 matches, Shami is an asset for the pace bowling department. He ripped through New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka with hauls of five, four and five, respectively. India's Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack. With 17 scalps, the veteran is currently fifth in the list of wicket-takers. His ability to bowl with low economy sets him apart from the rest.

Australia's spin wizard Adam Zampa, the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, is the only spinner in this team. However, he will get assistance from Maxwell, Markram and Ravindra with some overs in the middle phase. Zampa has taken 22 wickets so far at an average of 18.91. Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka is the last man. With consistency and effectiveness with the new ball, the left-arm pacer has grabbed 21 wickets and is currently second on the wicket-takers list.