Some exceptional performers of the World Cup 2023 might not feature in the 2027 event.
The 2023 World Cup concluded with Australia securing a triumphant six-wicket victory over India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, clinching their sixth coveted trophy. Throughout Australia’s dazzling campaign, seasoned players Glenn Maxwell and David Warner showcased remarkable prowess with the bat, making crucial contributions.
In tandem with these two Australian stalwarts, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma delivered exceptional performances. The 36-year-old consistently provided explosive starts for his team, a key factor in India’s journey to the final.
The recently concluded ODI event may mark the final World Cup appearance for these formidable players, given concerns about their age and fitness. The prospect of participating in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia could be hindered for these in-form legends.
Here are the 10 players who might not play 2027 World Cup:
10. Adil Rashid
Jos Buttler couldn’t lead England to a successful title defense, managing only three wins out of nine matches. Throughout the tournament, key players like Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, and Buttler himself seemed off their game, although Adil Rashid stood out with his bowling performances.
As the leader of the spin-bowling unit, Rashid impressed by taking 15 wickets in nine matches with an economy of 5.18, emerging as the highest wicket-taker for England. Operating as the sole frontline spinner, he delivered crucial spells in significant matches against India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Following the World Cup disappointment, the England Cricket Board (ECB) is contemplating changes, considering dropping some seasoned players to make room for fresh faces in the ODI side. Despite Rashid’s commendable performance in the competition, the 35-year-old spinner might find himself excluded from the squad due to the inevitable passage of time.
9. Trent Boult
Trent Boult staged a remarkable comeback in the New Zealand ODI team for the 2023 World Cup. Leading the Kiwi pace attack with confidence, he secured 14 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 5.53. Stepping up in the absence of mainstay pacer Matt Henry, the veteran showcased his experience and reaffirmed his bowling prowess.
In a crucial must-win clash against Sri Lanka, New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory, thanks in part to Boult’s economical and wicket-taking spell. The 34-year-old delivered figures of 3/37 in his 10 overs, dismissing the prized wickets of Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka on a batting-friendly surface.
Despite his impactful performance, the infrequency of Boult’s appearances in international cricket raises doubts about his future in the World Cup arena. As he is not a regular member of the one-day side, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) may need to identify an alternative for Boult in the coming years.
8. Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa bid farewell to the World Cup with a narrow three-wicket loss to Australia in the semi-final at Eden Gardens. However, their campaign will be etched in memory for the commanding performances of their batsmen, particularly Rassie van der Dussen, who played a pivotal role in solidifying the top order.
Van der Dussen’s bat spoke volumes as he amassed an impressive 448 runs in 10 games, boasting a fine average of 49.77. Finishing as the second-leading run-scorer for the Proteas, he left a lasting impact. The journey commenced with a convincing 102-run triumph over Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where van der Dussen seized the limelight with a stellar 108 off 110, securing his position as the leading run-getter.
In the comprehensive 190-run victory against New Zealand in Pune, he once again demonstrated his batting prowess with a well-earned century. Despite his outstanding contributions, the 34-year-old van der Dussen faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the next World Cup for South Africa. His future appearance hinges on maintaining consistency with his bat in the intervening years.
7. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami was in sensational form for India during the 2023 World Cup, claiming an impressive 24 wickets in just seven matches at an economy of 5.26. Remarkably, he emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the entire tournament. Shami stepped into India’s playing XI against New Zealand in Dharamshala following Hardik Pandya’s injury and made an immediate impact, securing a five-wicket haul and steering the Men in Blue to a fantastic four-wicket victory.
His stellar performances continued as he picked up another five-wicket haul in India’s massive 302-run win, surpassing Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath to become India’s highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. In the crucial semi-final, Shami delivered a memorable performance with figures of 7/57, making him the first Indian bowler to reach 50 wickets in ODI World Cups.
While Indian cricket fans would undoubtedly love to see the 33-year-old Shami in the lineup for the next World Cup, the reality of his age may pose challenges for the veteran to be a part of India’s 2027 campaign.
6. Mahmudullah
Bangladesh disappointed their fans with a lackluster performance in the 2023 World Cup. However, amidst the team’s struggles, one of the senior stalwarts, Mahmudullah, concluded the tournament on a positive note. Amassing 328 runs in seven innings across eight contests, he emerged as the top run-scorer for Bangladesh in the competition.
Having been a fixture in international cricket since 2007, Mahmudullah has participated in four World Cups during his 16-year ODI career. The veteran featured in 25 World Cup matches, accumulating a total of 944 runs in 22 innings, including three centuries and three half-centuries.
At 37, Mahmudullah held the distinction of being the oldest player in Bangladesh’s World Cup 2023 squad, raising speculation about the timing of his potential retirement. This World Cup likely marked the conclusion of his illustrious career in major ICC ODI events.
5. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role in bolstering India’s bowling attack during the 2023 World Cup, showcasing his left-arm spin skills and claiming 16 wickets in 11 matches with an impressive economy of 4.25. Adding to his value, he contributed 120 runs with the bat in five innings, boasting a fine average of 40.
One standout performance came against South Africa at Eden Gardens, where Jadeja’s five-wicket haul played a pivotal role in India’s 243-run victory. Having been part of three World Cups from 2015 to 2023, fans hope to see him in the lineup for the 2027 edition.
While Jadeja maintains exceptional fitness, his age, currently at 34, poses a potential challenge for his inclusion in India’s 2027 World Cup team. Sustaining both fitness and form might become demanding. If he faces difficulties in either aspect, the team management may consider introducing a younger player to the squad without hesitation.
4. David Warner
In addition to Maxwell, Australian opener David Warner faced significant criticism for his initial struggles in the tournament. However, he silenced his critics with a spectacular 163-run innings off 124 deliveries at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, contributing to Australia’s convincing 62-run victory over Pakistan.
Warner’s stellar form continued in the following matches, with impressive knocks of 104 (93) against the Netherlands and 81 (65) against New Zealand. The 37-year-old concluded the tournament as Australia’s most successful batter, accumulating a total of 535 runs in 11 matches.
In June 2023, Warner announced his decision to retire from Test cricket after the Sydney Test against Pakistan in January 2024. Considering this announcement, it raises the possibility that the dynamic opener might retire before the World Cup 2027, given his age of 37 and the challenges he faced in regaining his form before the ODI event in India.
3. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell faced a bit of a struggle finding his form in the early matches of the 2023 World Cup. However, he staged a remarkable comeback against the Netherlands in Delhi, smashing a century in just 40 balls, setting a new record for the fastest World Cup ton. This incredible innings played a crucial role in Australia’s massive 309-run victory, marking the largest win by runs in World Cup history.
Building on his extraordinary performance, Maxwell went on to score an unprecedented 201 runs off 128 balls against Afghanistan in Mumbai. The 35-year-old played a pivotal role in Australia’s sixth World Cup title, amassing a total of 400 runs with two centuries in nine matches. Throughout the blockbuster event, his strike rate stood at an impressive 150.37.
Despite Maxwell’s illustrious reputation in ODI cricket, his occasional struggles with batting consistency may pose a challenge for his continued presence in the disciplined Australian team until 2027. Additionally, his age might work against him as the veteran middle-order batter navigates his cricketing journey.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma led India with distinction, showcasing remarkable form, but fell short of clinching the coveted trophy. Over the course of 11 matches, he amassed an impressive 597 runs, securing the position of the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Despite starting with a duck against Australia in Chennai, the India captain rebounded spectacularly, delivering sensational performances throughout the competition.
In both knockout contests, Rohit displayed his batting prowess, offering rapid innings and standing tall against the opposition. Despite his extraordinary batting efforts and exceptional captaincy, the trophy remained elusive, leaving the 36-year-old to potentially conclude his ODI career without a World Cup title.
While Rohit is currently in superb batting form, concerns about his fitness could hinder his participation in the next World Cup, scheduled for four years later. The challenge ahead involves not only maintaining fitness but also sustaining top-notch form to secure a spot in India’s World Cup 2027 squad.
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli was bestowed with the Player of the Tournament award, a testament to his remarkable batting prowess in the competition for India. Accumulating a staggering 765 runs with three centuries and six half-centuries in 11 matches, he claimed the title of the highest run-scorer in the prestigious event. Notably, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries during the tournament.
His batting performance set a new benchmark, making him the sole batsman to achieve over 700 runs in a single World Cup edition. Despite scoring a half-century in the final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium, his inability to convert it into a substantial score proved costly for India in the ultimate contest.
Kohli’s supporters eagerly anticipate his appearance in the next World Cup, given his unquestionable fitness. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will keenly observe his form. If the star batter fails to maintain his exceptional form, selectors might contemplate introducing a young player in his place.
