The ODI World Cup is arguably the biggest competition of the sport across formats and the forthcoming edition will be played in India in October-November in India. While the host nation will have their chance to obtain a core team as they will play the Asia Cup in September, it remains to be seen if they can clinch another ODI title at home after nearly a decade.
In any case, team India will look to put their best foot forward once the event commences and top the World Cup points Table. Though the teams usually prefer banking on their seasoned players, there have been occasions when young players have donned the national outfit in the ODI World Cup. With this, we take a look at the three youngest players to have played the ODI World Cup-
5. Malachi Jones | 17y 266d | Bermuda
Malachi Jones celebrating a wicket in the 2007 Cricket World Cup against India. Image: ESPNCricinfo
Malachi Jones became one of the youngest players to feature in a World Cup match when he played against team India in the 2007 ICC World Cup. At 17 years and 266 days, Jones became the fifth youngest player to attain an impressive record. Speaking about his performance, Jones proved to be quite expensive as he leaked 74 runs in his seven overs at a dismal economy of 10.57. However, a claimed the solitary wicket of opener Robin Uthappa.
4. Thomas Odoyo | 17y 282d | Kenya
In the 1996 World Cup in Cuttack, India, Thomas Odoyo marked his first appearance in a World Cup match against India. At 17 years and 282 days, he became Kenya's youngest cricketer to feature in a WC match and also became the fourth player overall to do so. In his three overs against the home side, Odoyo gave 22 runs at an economy of 7.33 and also added eight runs to his account off 18 balls.
3.Sudath Pasqual | 17y 237d | Sri Lanka
In the second match of the World Cup in 1979 against New Zealand, Sri Lanka decided to play Sudath Pasqual, who eventually went on to become one of the youngest players to feature in a ODI World Cup match. At 17 years and 237 days, the young pacer returned impressive bowling figures, as he gave just 20 runs in his 4.4 overs at an economy of 4.28.
2.Alexei Kervezee | 17y 186d | Netherlands
Netherlands' Alexei Kervezee at 17 years and 186 days surpassed Pasqual's record of being the youngest player to make an appearance in a World Cup game against South Africa in the 2007 event. Coming in at no. 3, Kervezee failed to create any impact as he could only manage to get 17 runs off 52 balls during his stay at the crease. Netherlands eventually lost the contest by 221 runs.
1. Talha Jubair | 17y 70d | Bangladesh
In the 2003 World Cup, Bangladesh's Talha Jubair became the youngest player to play in the history of the ODI World Cup. Jubair was only 17 years and 70 days old when he played against the West Indies. The match yielded no result as rain lashed down at the venue. He is also the youngest player to play in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Dive deep into MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals and see his unmatched strategic brilliance that led India to victory in major world tournaments.
When discussing leadership roles in Indian cricket history, the conversation inevitably turns to MS Dhoni and his impact as a captain. His tenure as India's captain (2007-2017) saw the golden days of not only reaching the finals but also tasting victory.
The "Captain Cool" led India to an impressive 4 ICC Finals and secured a win in 3 of them. He is the only Indian captain to win all 3: the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy in his career.
Here we bring you MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals:
2007 T20 World Cup: Kicking off with a win
MS Dhoni in 2007 T20 World Cup Final. Image | BBC
The 2007 T20 World Cup marked a significant moment in Indian cricket, not just for their inaugural win, but for the beginning of MS Dhoni's captaincy era. Having stepped into the leadership role for the very first time in the tournament, he led a relatively inexperienced squad and brought victory home.
Throughout the season, he guided the team with a calm approach and showed tactical brilliance with his choices in high-pressure situations. In the final against Pakistan, his main impact was behind the stumps, making great choices.
In a tense last over, with PAK needing 13 runs and Misbah-ul-Haq at the crease, he made a bold move by handing the ball to Joginder Sharma, who lacked experience. This tactical gamble paid off brilliantly when Misbah attempted a scoop shot and was caught by Sreesanth, securing India a 5-run victory.
MS Dhoni "finishing off in style" in the 2011 World Cup Final. Image | NDTV
The 2011 ODI World Cup Final against Sri Lanka on home soil is something the fans will remember for a long time. After a challenging target of 275 runs set by SL, India's chase collapsed early as they lost key wickets of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.
Dhoni chose to promote himself to bat at no. 5 and formed a crucial partnership with Gautam Gambhir. He scored an unbeaten 91 runs and sealed the victory with a majestic six, bringing home India's second WC title after 28 years.
He was also named player of the match for his batting and wicket-keeping contribution. After this victory, he became the second Indian captain, after Kapil Dev in 1983, to lead India to a World Cup triumph.
MS Dhoni with the Champions Trophy after their 2013 victory. Image | Hindustan Times
The 2013 Champions Trophy saw Dhoni complete the set with a 5-run victory over England in the Final. India successfully defended a low total of 130 runs in the second half, showcasing great bowling efforts from the unit.
Talking about Dhoni's performance, he could not do much with the bat like many other players, and went out for a duck. However, his agility behind the stumps and ball rotation choices did the trick well for them.
With this victory, India achieved their second Champions Trophy title.
Dhoni after the T20 WC Final against Sri Lanka in 2014. Image | Cricket Country
In the 2014 T20 World Cup, India showed a dominant form and reached the finals with an unbeaten record. Despite Virat Kohli's great efforts (77 runs off 58 balls), India struggled with the bat overall, posting a total of 130/4. Dhoni scored 4 runs off 7 balls and failed to accelerate the runs.
Sri Lanka comfortably chased he target to clinch their first T20 World Cup title. Although India lost, it was MS Dhoni's second T20 World Cup Final as a captain, which highlights his consistent presence and contribution in major ICC clashes.
The ICC cricket World Cup is the second most popular sport event in the world after the FIFA World Cup and Rugby World Cup. The cricket match played in the ICC World Cup between India and Pakistan is always a high voltage match. India always defeated Pakistan in the World Cup match either in the 50 over format or in the T-20 format.
The cricket match between India and Pakistan is the most sought after game in any tournament. Even cricket experts term this game as important as the final of the tournament. Any match between India and Pakistan is a game for the ages, considering the tough lineup of both teams and the relations between the two countries.
In this article we will take a look at the head-to-head stats of India vs Pakistan in World Cups history.
India vs Pakistan in World Cups
India vs Pakistan in ODI World Cup
India and Pakistan have the most famous rivalry in cricket and every game is viewed by hundreds of millions of cricket fans across the globe. They have faced each other 8 times in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and all the games have been won by India. The most vital game was the 2011 World Cup semi-final in which India emerged the winners by 29 runs.
Year
Winner
Margin
March 4, 1992
India
43 runs
March 9, 1996
India
39 runs
June 8, 1999
India
47 runs
March 1, 2003
India
6 wickets
March 30, 2011
India
29 runs
Feb 15, 2015
India
76 runs
June 16, 2019
India
89 runs via DLS method
October 14, 2023
India
7 wickets
India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup
India and Pakistan have met each other eight times in the previous eight editions of the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue continue to hold the upper hand with six wins, while Pakistan have only grabbed a solitary win against India at the 2021 T20 World Cup. The inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 saw a tied match between India and Pakistan with the former winning the bowl out 3-0.
ICC tournaments hosted by India – History & Highlights
Explore the rich history and unforgettable highlights of all ICC tournaments hosted by India. Relive the iconic wins and heartbreaking defeats, and see how the nation shaped the sport. A must-read for fans.
India is a nation where cricket is not just a sport but a religion. The crowd, the stadiums, and most importantly, the passion for cricket that the vibrant atmosphere brings, have made every ICC tournament hosted on Indian soil unforgettable.
Therefore, when it comes to hosting ICC tournaments, India delivers an experience like no other.
This article will take you through the history and highlights of ICC tournaments hosted by India that captivated millions.
ICC Men's Cricket World Cup
India lifts the ICC World Cup for the second time in 2011 after a victory over Sri Lanka. Image | Mint
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, inaugurated in 1975, has had 13 seasons so far. Out of which, India hosted the tournament 4 times, in the years: 1987, 1996, 2011, 2023. They are also scheduled to host the 2031 season, alongside Bangladesh.
Here's the detailed highlight of each year:
1987: First edition in India, co-hosted with Pakistan
The 1987 Cricket World Cup was the first time the tournament was held outside England. It was known as the "Reliance Cup" due to sponsorship and was also the first 50-over WC, reduced from 60 overs in previous editions.
Co-hosted with Pakistan, India topped the group stage and had a great season. However, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The Final was played at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, between Australia and England. Australia won their first title and lifted the World Cup with pride on Indian soil.
1996: Second edition with co-hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka
This edition was hosted by India, along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India faced a controversial semi-final defeatagainst Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was caused due to crowd disturbance and India's collapsing run chase, which ultimately led to the game being abandoned.
Sri Lanka won their first WC title by defeating Australia and became the first co-host to do so.
2011: India's home triumph
Co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this was India's ultimate dream and crowning moment. Led by MS Dhoni, India had a dominant campaign and went on to win the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in a memorable final.
India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil. The fact that the final match was held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, makes it even more special. The roar of the crowd, legendary performances, and the winning six will be forever etched in the hearts of millions.
The final was also the first time two Asian teams played against each other in the tournament's history.
2023: India's unfulfilled dream and heartbreak on home soil
As sole host, India delivered a spectacular performance throughout the tournament. They dominated every opponent in the group stage and the semi-final, without losing a single match across all venues.
However, despite their brilliant efforts, they lost to the Australian side in the final, held at the world's largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was a major heartbreak for the team and fans, who dreamed of a home victory after 12 years.
Virat Kohli was named the player of the tournament, setting a new record for most runs in a single WC edition, and Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker.
ICC Men's T20 World Cup
An emotional Virat Kohli walkes off the field after their semi-final defeat against West Indies. Image | ESPNcricinfo
India has formally hosted the ICC Men's T20 World Cuptwice. Here's a summary of those tournaments:
2016: A carnival of T20 cricket on Indian soil
India battled through every match brilliantly in the season with a great squad. However, their journey ended in the semi-final with a high-scoring loss against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
This season was a special one and delivered many dramatic, nail-biting encounters. The final match, held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is also popular for its thrilling finish, where Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to seal the victory for WI against England.
2021: India's hostship amidst global challenges (Held in UAE & Oman)
Although India was the designated host, the tournament was moved to the UAE and Oman due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. They also had a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.
ICC Men's Champions Trophy
Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting shaking hands before a match in 2006 Champions Trophy. Image | NewsBytes
India officially hosted the ICC Men's Champions Trophyonce, in 2006, and is set to host the 2029 edition.
2006: India's first and only edition as hosts
This was the fifth edition of the Champions Trophy and the first time India had the sole hosting rights. They had a disappointing start to the season and failed to progress beyond the group stage, leading to an early exit.
The tournament featured 10 teams, and the Australian side, led by Ricky Ponting, emerged as champions.
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
Australia lifting their 6th WC title with their win in 2013 World Cup. Image | Olympics.com
India has hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup3 times, in the years 1978, 1997, and 2013. They are also scheduled to co-host the 2025 season.
This was India's debut World Cup appearance as well as the first time hosting the tournament. They lost all three matches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in the round-robin format, and finished fourth (last).
This was the first time the tournament was being hosted outside England.
1997: A record-breaking season in India
This was the largest Women's World Cup at that time, featuring 11 teams and 32 matches across various venues in India. India put up a strong fight, but was defeated by Australia in the semis.
The final at Eden Gardens attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the growing interest in women's cricket. Australia won their fourth WC title, and their second on Indian soil.
2013: India's early exit in the home tournament
This edition saw several close matches throughout the group stage. India, as hosts, had a disappointing campaign and failed to go beyond the group stage. Yet again, Australia secured their sixth WC title, and the 3rd on Indian soil.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup
WI-W lifting the 2016 T20 World Cup trophy. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup, organised in 2009, has conducted 9 seasons so far. India has hosted the tournament once, in 2016.
2016: A global showcase of women's T20 cricket in India
This tournament, held alongside the Men's T20 World Cup, served as a significant platform. India had a challenging season, winning only a single match against Bangladesh and losing the remaining ones.
West Indies emerged as champions in an intense final against Australia and lifted their first T20 World Cup title.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ICC tournaments | Details Stats
Here we take a look at the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam stats comparison in ICC tournaments and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats.
The comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli is one of the most discussed topics in the cricketing world. Although Virat made his debut much earlier in 2008, while Babar played his first international match in 2015, the debate about these two batting superstars across various formats continues to thrive.
Both Kohli and Babar were U-19 stars. Kohli won the ODI World Cup in 2011, Champions Trophy in 2013 and T20 World Cup in 2024 with India, while Babar’s only international triumph is the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Here we take a look at the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam stats comparison in ICC tournaments and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats.
Kohli has played 37 ODI World Cup matches across four editions, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83 and a strike rate of 88.20, with five hundreds and 12 half-centuries. The former India captain has been dismissed without scoring only once in the ICC event. His best of 117 came off 113 balls against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Virat Kohli in ODI WCs
Innings
Runs
Not outs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
0s
2011
9
282
1
35.25
82.21
100*
1
1
0
2015
8
305
2
50.83
81.55
107
1
0
0
2019
9
443
1
55.37
94.05
82
0
5
0
2023
11
765
3
95.62
90.31
117
3
6
1
Total
37
1,795
7
59.83
88.20
117
5
12
1
Looking at Babar's record in the ODI World Cup, he has played 17 matches and has scored 794 runs at an average of 52.93 and a strike rate of 85.74, with one hundred and seven fifties. He is yet to be dismissed for a duck in a World Cup match. Babar's only ton in the ODI World Cup came against New Zealand in Birmingham in 2019, when scored 101* off 127 balls.
Babar Azam in ODI WCs
Innings
Runs
Not outs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
0s
2019
8
474
1
67.71
87.77
101*
1
3
0
2023
9
320
1
40
82.90
74
0
4
0
Total
17
794
2
52.93
85.74
101*
1
7
0
ICC Champions Trophy
Looking at his stats in the Champions Trophy, Kohli has played 17 innings and has scored 747 runs at an average of 74.07 and a strike rate of 89.04, with six half-centuries and one century to his name. He has been dismissed without scoring on one occasion.
Babar has featured two Champions Trophies. In seven matches so far, he has scored 220 runs at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 74.08, with just one fifty. In the 2017 edition that Pakistan won, Babar contributed 133 runs in five innings (two not outs) at an average of 44.33 and a strike rate of 74.71. Again, Kohli has a better average and strike rate than Babar in the Champions Trophy.
Virat is the all times highest run scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup. In 33 matches, Virat has scored 1292 runs at a strike rate 128.8 of and an average of 58.7. Kohli has also scored 15 half-centuries with a top score of 89 not out to his name.
Babar, on the other hand, has played only 3 editions of the T20 World Cup. In 2021, he was the top run-scorer after he made 303 runs from 6 games at an average of 60.60. In 17 T20 World Cup matches, Babar has scored 549 runs at an average of 36.6.
Indian won seven ICC trophies over the years. A few players have been part of several of these victorious campaigns. let's take a look at the Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is cricket’s global governing body, overseeing various prestigious tournaments. These include the ICC Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the World Test Championship. The ICC tournaments are considered the most prestigious in cricket, and players strive to lift the trophies.
India have always had the services of the best players. And thanks to them, India have been a consistent force in world cricket. The same consistency is visible in the ICC tournaments. This has helped the Indian team win seven ICC trophies over the years. A few players have been part of several of these victorious campaigns.
So, let's take a look at the Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles.
Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles
6. Harbhajan Singh | 3 Titles
2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
Having started his career in 1998, Harbhajan Singh is one of the few Indian cricketers to have won all three ICC white-ball titles.
He was part of India's 2002 ICC Champions Trophy title-winning campaign, where they were joint winners with Sri Lanka. Five years later, he played a key role in India's triumph in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup, in 2007. He was also a part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup winning squad.
5. Yuvraj Singh | 3 Titles
2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
One of India's greatest all-rounders, Yuvraj Singh has also won all three ICC white-ball tournaments. He was part of the teams that won the 2002 Champions Trophy, 2007 T20 World Cup, and 2011 ODI World Cup.
In the 2011 ODI World Cup, Yuvraj was the Player of the Tournament for his stellar all-round performance. He made history in the 2007 T20I World Cup by hitting six sixes in an over against England.
4. Ravindra Jadeja | 3 Titles
2013 Champions Trophy
2024 T20 World Cup
2025 Champions Trophy
After India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, Ravindra Jadeja went level with Dhoni. The star all-rounder now has three ICC trophies.
Before the latest win, Jadeja was part of another Champions Trophy victory in 2013. He picked up the most wickets in that tournament to win the Golden Ball. Fast forward to 11 years, and Jadeja found himself in the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad. After this, he retired from T20I cricket.
3. MS Dhoni | 3 Titles
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy
MS Dhoni was the first Indian player to win three ICC trophies. Interestingly, he won all three of them as skipper. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India had a successful run in limited-overs. And he showed a glimpse of his tactical acumen early in his captaincy stint.
Captain Cool guided a young team to the inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007. Then he followed it with the ODI World Cup triumph in 2011. And Dhoni completed the ICC ODI tournament trophy with the Champions Trophy win in 2013.
2. Rohit Sharma | 4 Titles
2007 T20 World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy
2024 T20 World Cup
2025 Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma is level with Kohli when it comes to ICC trophy victories. The current Indian captain has won two of the four titles while leading the Indian team. Before that, he was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
Then, alongside Kohli, he took India to the Champions Trophy victory in 2013. Rohit repeated the feat in 2024 and 2025, but this time as a captain. He guided the Men in Blue to the T20 World Cup win in 2024, followed by the Champions Trophy triumph in 2025.
Virat Kohli has been a proven match-winner for India. And the same is true when it comes to ICC events. The top-order batter hardly fails to perform in these high-stakes tournaments. He has powered the team to many wins, including four ICC title victories.
Kohli managed to land his hands on an ICC trophy for the first time in 2011. He was part of the 2011 World Cup squad that defeated Sri Lanka in the final at home. Two years later, he was on the podium yet again as India won the Champions Trophy in England. But then Kohli had to endure a decade’s wait to add the third title. He helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2024 before clinching his fourth silverware in 2025 as India landed the Champions Trophy.