Twelve years later, India is all set to host the ICC Men's ODI World Cup again but surprisingly they are not the strongest contenders this time. India's record on their home soil is brilliant but they have dropped disappointing results in recent times at the ICC tournaments. There is no doubt they are going to give their everything to win the ultimate prize but it will be difficult for the "Men in Blues". The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 on Tuesday. The Indian team will play the World Cup under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. In this article, We'll see five players whom India might miss in the tournament as they could be some important players for the team.

Read Also: Indian Squad for the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023

Five players whom India might miss in the ODI World Cup 2023:

1. Rishabh Pant:

Rishabh Pant has been sidelined after he sustained injuries in the deadly car accident. India's top wicketkeeper-batter is still healing from a torn ligament he suffered in that accident in December 2022. The 25-year-old has made steady progress, but due to the severity of his injury, a full recovery will take a long time.

Pant's participation in important games like the 2019 World Cup, helped India in pressure-filled situations. Due to his medical conditions, Rishabh Pant had to take a long break from playing cricket. Pant missed all the major Indian international tournaments, including the Border Gavaskar Trophy and Indian Premier League in 2023. And now, he will miss the eagerly anticipated ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023.

2. Shikhar Dhawan:

Dhawan has played a huge role in the ODI format for almost ten years for the Indian National Cricket Team. Even though he has been one of the IPL season's most significant players, his strike rate was a matter of concern. Shikhar Dhawan's problem with the strike rate was one of the main factors in his initial exclusion from the Indian T20I team. Dhawan may have already played his final game for the Men in Blues as India selected Gill over him.

3. Arshdeep Singh:

Arshdeep Singh played 3 ODI games for Team India and made his debut in the 50-overs format last year in New Zealand. He failed to pick up his maiden wicket for India in the ODI format. Arshdeep also didn't get an opportunity in the ODI squad against West Indies. He will represent India in the Asian Games which will be played around the World Cup, ruling him out for the World Cup 2023 event.

4. Yuzuvendra Chahal:

Yuzvendra Chahal was not included in the Asia Cup squad and has not been included in India's 2023 ODI World Cup squad. The 33-year-old was part of the squad at the 2019 World Cup, has not played an ODI for India since January 2023 but still has a brilliant record in the format with 121 wickets in 72 matches at an economy of 5.26.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin:

Ashwin was a regular in the Indian white-ball setup until 2017 but has not featured consistently in ODIs since then. He has a brilliant record in the format with 151 wickets in 113 matches at an economy rate of 4.94 and with India not having too many off-spinning options to choose from, Ashwin could have been a player India could have considered in the squad.

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has suddenly returned to India, citing a family emergency as the reason. A BCCI source has given this information to news agency PTI.

The source said that Gambhir had to return to take care of his mother, who has been admitted to a hospital in New Delhi due to health complications. The Shubman Gill-led Indian Test team is in England to play a five-match IND vs ENG series, starting June 20 in Leeds.

Also Read: Exclusive: Advised by Sourav Ganguly, Abishek Porel gets coached by Yuvraj Singh; this is what he learned

Doeschate will look after the team for now

In Gambhir's absence, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate will oversee the team during the four-day intra-squad match between India and India A starting from Friday. He will be assisted by other coaching staff like bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Shitanshu Kotak. If all goes well at home, Gambhir is expected to return to England within a week.

Indian team would like to test its preparations

The Indian team will play intra-squad matches to finalise its preparations ahead of the IND vs ENG five-match Test series. India A played two unofficial Test matches against England Lions and the batsmen showed their prowess in them. Such matches are important for the preparation of the team before any series. India has opted to play this match in an empty stadium so that the opposing team does not get a clue of their strategy.

All eyes will be on Kuldeep-Jadeja

In this match, the performance of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will be watched and an interesting competition is expected between these two to make a place in the final eleven of the Indian Test team.

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel had said on Wednesday that the match is crucial for India's preparation as it is difficult to develop the ability to bowl and field 90 overs in a day through normal practice sessions. This match will give the Indian team management a good opportunity to assess its players, especially the bowlers, in match situations.

Also Read: Ellyse Perry predicts the winner of WTC 2025

This will help ensure that the bowlers, be it spinners or pacers, are in the required rhythm in the actual match. Gambhir will have to do some brainstorming to pick the only specialist spinner for Headingley.

Jadeja has a good batting record abroad but if India has to take 20 wickets then Kuldeep's role will become important. Kuldeep can prove to be a good partner of fast bowler Jaspreet Bumrah in the conditions here. Jadeja vs Kuldeep is the biggest puzzle for the playing XI that the team management will have to solve.

Eyes will be on fast bowlers as well

Similarly, this match will give the team management and captain Shubman Gill a chance to see which ball works better in these conditions - Akash Deep's full length or Prasidh Krishna's back of the length. Bumrah, who will be playing a red ball match after six months, will get a chance to bowl multiple spells and test his fitness. He has played only IPL since returning from a lower back injury.

Winning an ICC tournament final demands exceptional skill from every player, but history shows that a phenomenal bowling performance can be the ultimate difference-maker. Destructive spells can break down the opposition in no-time and seal the victory single-handedly.

It is time to revisit such unbelievably good performances from bowlers across the world. Check out the list of best figures in an ICC tournament final.

1. Pat Cummins (6/28) vs SA | ICC WTC 2025 Final

• Wickets: 6
• Runs: 28
• Overs: 18.1
• Economy: 1.54

Pat Cummins' 6/28 against South Africa in the 2025 WTC Final has broken all the long-standing record for best figures in an ICC tournament final. On a challenging Lord's pitch, he brilliantly ripped through the South African batting line-up in their first innings.

Cummins was particularly impactful after the lunch break on Day 2, where he single-handedly shattered their middle and lower order, taking wickets of the skipper Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, and others.

His spell restricted the Proteas to only 138 runs, giving Australia a first-innings lead of 74 runs.

read Also: Most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests

2. Jacques Kallis (5/30) vs WI | ICC Champions Trophy 1998 Final

• Wickets: 5
• Runs: 30
• Overs: 7.3
• Economy: 4.00

Jacques Kallis was the key all-rounder who helped South Africa secure their first-ever ICC title in 1998 with his spectacular performance. He contributed with the bat, but what stood out was his 5-wicket haul (for only 30 runs) that took down half of the West Indies batting line-up.

This performance was a glimpse of the wonderful career he had as one of the world's premier all-rounders.

3. Kyls Jamieson (5/31) vs IND | ICC WTC 2021 Final

• Wickets: 5
• Runs: 31
• Overs: 22
• Economy: 1.40

Kyle Jamieson literally blew team India away with his 5/31 spell in the WTC 2021 Final, earning the trophy as well as POTM title. His ability to produce extra bounce on a green Southampton pitch dismissed dangerous batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant.

His spell helped New Zealand take a lead in the first innings which was crucial for their eight-wicket victory.

4. Joel Garner (5/38) vs ENG | ICC Cricket World Cup 1979 Final

• Wickets: 5
• Runs: 38
• Overs: 11
• Economy: 3.45

Joel Garner's 5/38 against England in the 1979 CWC Final is one of the most iconic spells in the World Cup history. His towering height and lethal accuracy bagged him five wickets in a mere 11 balls.

After Viv Richards' magnificent century in the first innings, which put out a strong 286 on board, Garner brilliantly took the charge to slow the English batters down, never letting them reach near the total.

This performance secured a 98-run victory for West Indies, along with their second consecutive World Cup win.

Read Also: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

5. Gary Gilmour (5/48) vs WI (ICC Cricket World Cup 1975 Final)

• Wickets: 5
• Runs: 48
• Overs: 12
• Economy: 4.00

Gary Gilmour was Australia's star bowler in the ICC CWC 1975 Final who gave all his efforts taking 5 wickets for 48 runs but the team ultimately fell short at the end. Coming off a stunning 6/14 in the semi-final, he continued his impressive form on the biggest stage.

His spell provided Australia a fighting chance to defend the total in a high-scoring final match, making it one of the very few five-wicket hauls ever taken in a World Cup Final.

Australia's star fast bowler Mitchell Starc added a big achievement to his name on Wednesday by becoming the bowler to take the most wickets in ICC tournament finals. Starc achieved this feat by taking two wickets on the first day of the World Test Championship 2025 final against South Africa at Lord's. Starc, playing his fifth ICC final, has taken 11 wickets so far and is expected to increase it.

Also Read: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

With this, Starc also broke the record of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami as soon as he took the second wicket. This record was earlier in the name of Shami, who had taken 10 wickets in four ICC finals.

So, let's take a look at the bowlers with most wickets in ICC tournament finals.

Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

6. Glenn McGrath | 8 Wickets

The former legendary Australia pacer Glenn McGrath featured in a total of 5 ICC finals for the Baggy Greens and took 8 Wickets for his team. McGrath was one of Australia’s most important players for several years and he always stepped-up big time in finals of major tournaments.

McGrath was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2002 edition of the ICC tournament with 8 wickets in 3 matches after Muttaih Muralidharan who has claimed 10 wickets in as many games.

5. Kyle Jamieson | 8 Wickets

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson also took 8 Wickets in the ICC tournament finals after appearing in 3 innings. In the 2019–2021 World Test Championship Final, Jamieson was named as the man of the match, after taking seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

4. Ravindra Jadeja | 8 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja comes fourth on this list. Jadeja’s evolution from a utility player to a match-winner is reflected in his 8 ICC final appearances. In his 8 finals, Jadeja dismissed 8 players in ICC tournament finals.

His all-round prowess was key to India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2013, where he was the leading wicket-taker. He has since played vital roles in T20 World Cup finals and two successive WTC finals (2021, 2023), as well as the 2025 Champions Trophy. 

3. Trent Boult | 8 Wickets

New Zealand's veteran pacer Trent Boult is true to the 'big-match player' tag with 8 wickets in his 4 ICC Finals. Boult played a massive role in the Kiwis' success in ICC tournaments and gave brilliant bowling performances in the finals as well.

Boult was also the joint leading wicket taker at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In 2018, he became the third bowler for New Zealand to take a hat-trick in ODIs.

2. Mohammed Shami | 10 Wickets

India's star bowler Mohammed Shami now comes second in this list. In four ICC finals, Shami has taken 10 wickets at an average of 38.90, an economy rate of 3.95 and best bowling figures of 4/76 in the WTC final 2021 against New Zealand.

Shami is also the leading wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in ODI World Cups and also led all bowlers in the 2023 edition with 24 wickets in seven outings. He continued his magical run in ICC events with a five-wicket haul in his maiden Champions Trophy game (ongoing contest against Bangladesh).

Also Read: Most Runs in WTC 2023-25

1. Mitchell Starc | 11* Wickets

Australia's pace ace Mitchell Starc has became the highest wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals. The left-arm quick achieved the milestone during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord's. Starc, playing in his fifth ICC final, has now taken 11 wickets across tournament deciders.

The milestone came in style as Starc struck early in South Africa's second innings, cleaning up Aiden Markram for a duck. He followed it up with the dismissal of Ryan Rickelton for 16, ending Day 1 with figures of 2/10 in a fiery spell.

He also became the joint second-highest wicket taker in ICC knockout games. He is sharing the spot with former Aussie legend Glenn McGrath and Mohammed Shami, who each have taken 22 wickets. The top spot is with former Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 23 wickets.

As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.

Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

Jasprit Bumrah | India

Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09. 

Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah becomes first-ever player to pick 200 Test wickets with an average below 20

Jasprit Bumrah stats in WTC 2023-2025

Pat Cummins | Australia 

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa. 

His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.

Pat Cummins stats in WTC 2023-2025

Read Also: WTC Final: Australia and South Africa announce their squads

Mitchell Starc | Australia 

Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.

Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.

Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025

Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25

Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.

Read Also: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Here are the other players who crossed the 60 wickets mark and deserves a shoutout in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

Till now, 11 Indian cricketers have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Former Indian captain and legend MS Dhoni became the latest Indian to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame list. 

Read Also | India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

Along with MS Dhoni, Aussie great Matthew Hayden, South African legend Hashim Amla, former South African captain Graeme Smith, former Kiwi leader Daniel Vettori, and former Pakistan captain Sana Mir and English legend Sarah Taylor were also inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame 2025.

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A cricketer beyond numbers and statistics 👏

MS Dhoni is inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame 🥇

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— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025

Here are the Indian cricketers who have been inducted into the prestigious "ICC Hall of Fame". 

Indian Cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame