IND vs SA: "That's A Tough One Because..." Sunil Gavaskar On India's Top Performer Of 2023

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, assessing India’s standout performer of 2023, identified numerous contenders. Sunil Gavaskar specifically emphasized the impressive comeback of Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah following back surgery as a noteworthy aspect.

Jasprit Bumrah made a strong return to the Indian team during the Ireland T20Is. In the ODI format, he claimed 28 wickets in 16 innings with an impressive economy of 4.40. He made notable contributions in Tests and T20Is, securing four wickets each in both formats.

There Are Plenty Of Contenders – Sunil Gavaskar

Speaking on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues,’ Sunil Gavaskar mentioned the challenge of selecting India’s standout performer in 2023. He mentioned multiple contenders, including Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj.

“That’s a tough one because I think there are plenty of contenders. Shubman Gill himself, Mohammed Shami with the way he bowled, Mohammed Siraj with the way he bowled in the finals of the Asia Cup,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“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,” he added.

Shubman Gill emerged as the top run-scorer in international cricket for 2023, scoring 2154 runs at an average of 46.82, featuring 7 centuries and 10 half-centuries. Mohammed Siraj bagged 37 wickets across the formats in 34 matches, including two five-wicket hauls.

Virat Kohli showcased exceptional batting prowess in the 2023 World Cup, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 765 runs at a remarkable average of 95.62. Mohammed Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker, taking 24 wickets at an impressive average of 10.70.

Shubman Gill’s Name Will Definitely Be There – Irfan Pathan

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan selected Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as strong contenders for India’s top performer of 2023. Pathan highlighted KL Rahul’s impressive ODI performance and emphasized Mohammed Shami’s noteworthy contribution in the World Cup.

“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,” Pathan said.

KL Rahul took on the wicketkeeping duties in the recent Test match against South Africa, despite his limited experience in first-class cricket. The right-handed batter scored 101 runs in the first innings, contributing to the team’s decent total of 245 runs in Centurion.

The team led by Rohit Sharma endured an innings and 32-run defeat in the series opener. The second and final Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to January 7.

Also read: IND vs SA: “This Hundred Is Going To Change Sanju Samson’s Career” – Sunil Gavaskar Says After 3rd ODI