As the 2023 World Cup enters its knockout stage, Cricket Australia unveiled its team of the tournament, featuring players from India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. Notably, India's captain Rohit Sharma secured a spot for his stellar performance, amassing 503 runs in nine matches, including three fifties and a century. Sharma's captaincy prowess was also acknowledged.
The team, including a 12th man, boasts four Indian players, with Rohit Sharma leading the pack. Opener David Warner, with fewer runs than Rohit, was chosen as the second opener alongside Quinton de Kock. Despite not captaining in ODIs since the 2021 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli was named the skipper, having displayed prolific form with two centuries in the tournament.
The bowling department sees representation from India, with Ravindra Jadeja securing the No. 8 position and showcasing impressive spin skills with an economy rate of 3.96. Jasprit Bumrah, with a stellar economy rate of 3.65, and Mohammed Shami, pivotal in India's bowling attack, also earned spots in Cricket Australia's team.
However, the absence of Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul raised eyebrows. Rahul, impressive both with his glovework and batting prowess at No. 5, scored 347 runs in the tournament, including a century and an unbeaten 97. Despite his notable contributions, Cricket Australia's team did not include him in the lineup.