Legendary Indian cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar said that there are several players to be picked as India's top performers in 2023. However, the former Indian captain was particularly impressed with the remarkable comeback of Jasprit Bumrah after recovering from back surgery.
Bumrah showcased his strength during the T20Is in Ireland, marking a stunning comeback for the Indian cricket team. In 2023, the Indian pacer snared 28 wickets in 16 ODIs at an excellent economy rate of 4.40. He also made significant contributions in Tests and T20Is, taking 4 wickets in each format.
Well, Gavaskar admitted that it is tough to choose the standout performer for India in 2023, but he listed the likes of Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Mohammad Shami, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj.
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Sunil Gavaskar said on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues’: “That’s a tough one because I think there are plenty of contenders. Shubman Gill himself, Mohammad Shami with the way he bowled, Mohammed Siraj with the way he bowled in the finals of the Asia Cup.”
He added, “The comeback of Jasprit Bumrah and, of course, the absolutely incredible batting of Virat Kohli in the World Cup where he got three hundreds and about five fifties in nine or 10 innings.”
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan picked Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as strong contenders for India’s top performer of 2023. Pathan highlighted Mohammed Shami’s remarkable contribution to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Pathan said on Star Sports, “If we see the performer of the year, Shubman Gill’s name will definitely be there but there are two or three other contenders, who were fantastic. KL Rahul – he had an average of 70 in ODI cricket, especially when he came back from injury. Plus he also took the responsibility of wicketkeeping in Test cricket.”
He signed off by saying, “The century in Centurion will be considered special for years to come. I feel the third player is Mohammed Shami because he wasn’t bowling at his normal position (with the new ball) in the World Cup.”
(With Star Sports/PTI Inputs)
