As the year 2023 is nearing its end, reflecting on standout performers across formats is something that is quite expected.
On Wednesday (December 27), the official Indian broadcasters for India's tour of South Africa released their ODI Team of the Year. Interestingly, the team featured as many as eight Indian cricketers.
While it might be pleasing for the Indian fans, cricket pundits like Ravi Shastri and Vernon Philander, question the selection process.
The team was selected on the basis of fan voting. Hence, it was not surprising that the Indian players with a massive fan base managed to garner plenty of votes.
"It's a joke. Rashid Khan... does he play? I think there must be only Indians voting in there. No one else. Mitchell Marsh, Rashid Khan, Quinton de Kock. One player from the World Cup winning team in Adam Zampa? What a No. 7. Rashid is one of the best around. For him not to make the cut there, unbelievable. Jadeja is the best all-rounder. Him and Rashid would have been the ideal combination across all surfaces in the world," Shastri was quoted as saying on Star Sports by Hindustan Times.
The team includes Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers followed by Virat Kohli. The middle order comprises Daryl Mitchell, KL Rahul and Heinrich Klaasen.
Adam Zampa takes the No. 7 spot, while Kuldeep Yadav is the other spinner at 8. The fast-bowling attack featured the Indian trio of Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.
Former South Africa seamer Philander expressed surprise that even Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell could not make it to the team.
"If I am Quinton de Kock, I'll be highly disappointed to be missing out on selection. With his last year in ODI cricket and to sign off in the way he did... I tell you what. He is an incredible player. I understand that all these guys are worthy of selection; they've had a wonderful year, especially the Indians," Philander remarked.
"Virat brings stability. But for me, maybe an Aiden Markram. David Miller another name. Glenn Maxwell, how can you leave him out? He saved Australia from the death. There are just so many to pick from. If I was Maxwell, I would feel really hard done by selection."
