Five Legendary Cricketers Who Might Play Their Last ODI World Cup In 2023

ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 5, 2023, with a marquee match featuring the reigning champions, England, facing off against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

From Rohit Sharma to David Warner: Check below list of five star players who might play their last ODI World Cup, this year.

Source : PTI

ODI World Cup 2023 might be the last time when some of the biggest names in the sport will take part in their final 50-overs mega ICC event.

Rohit Sharma:  For more than a decade, senior India opener Rohit Sharma has been a stalwart in the Indian top order. The veteran wasn't picked in India's ODI World Cup team for the 2011 edition due to poor form. However, he did secure a spot in the 2015 World Cup squad as a player. In the 2019 edition of the tournament, Rohit was made team India's vice-captain and he emerged as the highest run-scorer that year, showcasing his batting prowess.

Ravichandran Ashwin made a last minute entry into India's ODI World Cup squad for the 2023 edition. His inclusion was possible as Axar Patel is yet to recover from his injury, which he sustained during Asia Cup 2023 tournament. Ashwin's inclusion ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal raised quite a few eyebrows. Though the veteran off-spinner hasn't been a regular member of India's ODI setup, he has  great experience of playing major ICC tournaments. Ashwin had previously been part of India's World Cup squads in 2011 and 2015 but did not make the cut for the 2019 edition.

Ahead of India vs England warm-up match on Saturday (September 30), Ashwin hinted that this might be his final World Cup, suggesting that he could be considering retirement from World Cup cricket after this tournament.

Australia premier David Warner, one of the most prolific left-handed batters of all time in white-ball format, had indicated ahead of ODI World Cup 2023 that he might be contemplating the next phase of his cricketing journey. Earlier this year, Warner had hinted at a possible retirement after the World Cup. The Southpaw was part of Australia World Cup campaign in 2015 and 2019, scoring significantly in both editions. Warner was the highest run-scorer for Australia  in the 2019 World Cup.

Ben Stokes, who played a pivotal role in England's thrilling 2019 World Cup final win, might potentially retire from ODIs once again after the ODI World Cup 2023 tournament. Knowing the impact Ben Stokes can make in the tournament with his all-round skills, England Cricket Board (ECB) requested Stokes to reverse his ODI retirement decision for the World Cup. His incredible skills as an all-rounder make him a valuable asset.

Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan recently hinted at the possibility of retirement after the 2023 World Cup. This year's World Cup will be Shakib's fifth ODI World Cup.  He has previously been part of the 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 World Cups.