5 Indian players who are likely to make final appearance in ODI World Cup

The 2023 ODI World Cup is just around the corner and fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see their superstars set the mega stage on fire. The quadrennial event is returning to India after 12 years and for the same reason, India is considered one of the major favourites to win the tournament. Notably, the last time the Men in Blue hosted the World Cup, India lifted their second title under the leadership of MS Dhoni.

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Home support is always a big factor in the outcome of the game but apart from that, all the key players of Team India are back in top form. Moreover, India will enter the tournament as the World No. 1 ODI side after their triumph in the 2023 Asia Cup and recently concluded three-match series against Australia. However, the 2023 edition of the World Cup is likely to be the last for many top Indian players. Some might even consider taking retirement from the 50-over format after this.

In this article, we take a look at five players who are likely to make a final appearance in the ODI World Cup.

5. Virat Kohli

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One of the surprising names included in this list. Virat Kohli was only 23 years only when he was part of the 2011 World Cup winning team. The legendary batter is nearing his 35 and by the time of the next ODI World Cup, he will be 39 and is unlikely to feature in that edition. Kohli, who led the 2008 U-19 World Cup team, also won 2013 Champions Trophy in 2013. The former India captain will now aim to decorate his illustrious career with another silverware on November 19.

4. Rohit Sharma

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Rohit Sharma, 36, has already come under fire several times for his fitness. He will be 40 years old by the time of the 2027 World Cup, and it is unlikely that he will be playing any top-level cricket at that time. One of the destructive openers, Rohit has never won the ODI World Cup and this time he will be looking to lead from the front and win it for himself and the whole of India. His exploits in the 2019 World Cup, where he smashed a whopping 5 centuries will always remain a fan favourite.

3. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, one of Team India's key players in all formats of the game, is likely to bring down the curtain on his ODI career after this World Cup. He is already 34 and more importantly, his extreme vulnerability to injury does not make him a strong contender for the 2027 World Cup. His one-man fight after the Indian top-order collapse in the 2019 WC will always be remembered. However, the veteran all-rounder will be keen to add a feather to his cap before bidding farewell to this format.

2. Mohammed Shami

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has played a crucial role in India's World Cup campaign in the last two editions. He has taken 31 wickets in 11 matches and even registered a brilliant hat-trick against Afghanistan in the 2019 edition. Shami remains a key part of the Indian pace attack in the upcoming World Cup. But this could be the 33-year-old last appearance in this marquee event.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin was part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team. The spin wizard is currently 37 years old and is highly unlikely to be part of the 2027 World Cup. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising if the off-spinner brings the curtain on his ODI career after this World Cup.