Best ODI World XI picked on recent form — featuring the top run-scorers, wicket-takers, and in-form match-winners.
Long before T20s dominated world cricket, ODIs were the most popular format of the game. Although there are phases in ODIs where it gets predictable and boring, there also are cricketers who have rewritten the way ODIs could be played and have made the format exciting.
Going by the maximum impact a player has made in ODIs since the 2023 ODI World Cup, here’s the best ODI World XI that could be world-beaters.
Rohit Sharma (Captain, IND)
If there is any player in world cricket who takes the lead to rewrite how ODIs could be made more exciting, it is none other than Rohit Sharma. The former India skipper shed his slow start-late acceleration game to move on to top gear from ball one. This aggressive approach helped India make the maximum of the powerplay and kill the game in this phase itself.
So, even before the dull middle-overs could take over, Rohit has already led the team closer to the finish line with his fearless batting. His approach helped India reach the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. He continued with this approach post the WC as well, and hence, he bags the opener’s spot in this World XI, and also gets to lead the team. He averages 50.84, aggregates 661 runs, at a strike rate of 105.59 in 14 ODIs since the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Read More: Best World XI in T20Is based on current trends
Pathum Nissanka (SL)
Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka has been extremely impressive since the 2023 ODI World Cup. He gets to partner Rohit in this ODI World XI. Much like Rohit, Nissanka also loves to play his strokes, and dominates the bowling attack. He made a brilliant 210 not out against Afghanistan off just 139 balls with 20 fours and eight sixes. The Sri Lanka opener averages 45.62, aggregates 1095 runs at a strike rate of 96.81 since the last ODI World Cup. He has scored the joint most tons (four) during this phase.
Joe Root (ENG)
At No 3, the ODI World XI needs an experienced player who could play according to the situation of the game. And, there can be no one better than England’s Joe Root for this spot. The England batter has improved by age, and redefined his ODI game. He aggregated 808 runs at an average of 57.71 and strike rate of 95.50 in 15 games since the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Harry Brook (ENG)
The rise of England’s Harry Brook post the 2023 ODI World Cup is noteworthy. During this phase, he struck at a strike rate of 106.03 – the best by any player who has played more than 20 ODIs after the World Cup. Therefore, a hard-hitting batter at No 4 can turn the momentum of the game within a matter of a few hits. Brook is, thus, vital for this ODI World XI. He aggregated 878 runs at an average of 43.90 in 23 games since the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Read More: Rohit (1.29) only batter apart from Gayle (1.12) to have 1+ sixes/inns ratio in ODIs (min 200 sixes)
Shai Hope (WI)
The West Indies keeper-batter Shai Hope is an experienced horse, aggregating close to 6000 runs in ODIs. He averages close to 50 in ODIs as well. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has done a decent job in the middle-order for West Indies, totalling 1048 runs at an average of 47.63 with three tons and six fifties. He can resurrect an innings in case of a collapse or finish off tight chases with his experience and skills.
Liam Livingstone (ENG)
Another England player finds his way into this ODI World XI. All-rounder Liam Livingstone is known for his explosive six-hitting and his ability to change the course of a match in just a few blows. Although he hasn’t scored many runs batting lower down the order since the 2023 ODI World Cup, his unbeaten 124 off 85 balls against the West Indies in November 2024, while chasing 329, tilts the balance firmly in his favour. He single-handedly carried England home after they had slipped to 160/4 by the 28th over. Additionally, his mix of leg-breaks and off-breaks makes him a bankable part-time bowling option.
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is the joint-highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 44 wickets since the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is the only bowler since the last World Cup to bag 4 four-wicket hauls. He mixes his deliveries well, making the batters guess about the direction the ball will turn. His googlies are difficult to read off the pitch and so are his hand movements.
Rashid Khan (AFG)
Although the mystery element may not exist as it did before, Rashid Khan still packs a lot of punch in his bowling. He is a highly deceptive bowler as his variations are difficult to read. He is highly competitive as well. When in zone, Rashid is difficult to get past and score runs. Batters, nowadays, prefer to play him out rather than attack him. Still, Rashid finds ways to pick up wickets. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has picked up 27 wickets at an average of 14.03 in just 14 games.
Read More: Rohit (1714) & Virat (1710) are the fifth & sixth-highest run-scorers in ODIs from 2023 onwards
Jacob Duffy (NZ)
The New Zealand medium-pacer Jacob Duffy had played just three ODIs before the 2023 ODI World Cup, picking up seven wickets. But since then, he has been on a roll, picking up 26 wickets at an average of 23.76 in 15 games. This year has seen Duffy’s full flow as he has managed to pick up 19 wickets in 10 games. He has the knack of picking up wickets with the new ball, and that makes him a dangerous bowler to get away with.
Matt Henry (NZ)
Another Kiwi fast bowler is part of this ODI World XI. Matt Henry is highly under-rated, but one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket currently. He has played close to 100 ODIs with about 170 wickets. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has been on a roll, picking up 27 wickets at an average of 17.44 in 11 games. He has not gone wicketless in these 11 games, and bagged one five-wicket haul, and two four-wicket hauls.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK)
Pakistan’s medium-pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is also part of this ODI World XI. He has not only been consistent but also brings variety to the pace attack with his left-arm bowling. He has the ability to bring the ball into the right-handed batter while bowling from over the wicket. His full-pitch incoming pace delivery is Afridi’s most lethal weapon that has seen top batters falling for it. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has taken 31 wickets at an average of 28.74 in 18 games.
Mitchell Marsh (AUS) as 12th man
Australia’s all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is the 12th man of this ODI World XI. He is equally good with both bat and ball. He can open with the bat, play in the middle-order or don the role of a finisher. With the ball, he has the knack of breaking up partnerships, and making inroads into the opposition’s batting unit.
Read More: Since 2023, India have struck at SR of 100.26 in PP1 in ODIs, bettered only by Australia (107.05)
