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The cricketing world eagerly awaits the annual ICC Awards, where outstanding performances on the international stage are recognized and celebrated. Among these prestigious awards, the ICC Cricketer of the Year holds a special place, acknowledging a player’s excellence across all formats.
As the year 2023 approaches its end, the excitement among fans has reached its peak, and the question on everyone’s mind is who will be crowned the ICC Cricketer of the Year for 2023. On that note, here are the top five contenders for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.
Five contenders for ICC Cricketer of the Year 2023 award
1) Shubman Gill (India)
Shubman Gill has emerged as a cricketing sensation in 2023, amassing 2118 international runs in 45 matches with an impressive average of 50.42, including seven centuries. Notably, he claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI batters rankings and etched his name in history by becoming the youngest player in Men’s ODIs to score a double century. Gill’s consistent performances across all formats and his inclusion in the elite list of players with centuries in each format make him a strong contender for the coveted award.
2) Daryll Mitchell (New Zealand)
A true all-rounder, Daryll Mitchell showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, accumulating 1919 runs in 47 matches with an average of 42.64 and scoring six centuries. Additionally, he contributed significantly with the ball, bagging 24 wickets. Mitchell’s standout performance as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023 further solidifies his case for the ICC Cricketer of the Year.
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3) Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli had a dream run in international cricket in 2023, accumulating 1934 runs in 34 matches at a remarkable average of 66.68, including eight centuries. Kohli’s stellar World Cup campaign saw him surpass records previously held by legends like Sachin Tendulkar. With his prolific run-scoring and leadership qualities, Kohli remains a strong contender for the ICC Cricketer of the Year.
4) Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumphs in major ICC events, scoring 1599 international runs in 28 matches at an average of 47.02, with three centuries. His notable contributions in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final and the ODI World Cup 2023 final, where he secured Player of the Match honours on both occasions, make Head a dark horse for the prestigious award.
5) Rohit Sharma (India)
Despite missing T20Is, India’s captain Rohit Sharma showcased his batting brilliance, amassing 1795 runs in 34 matches with an average of 51.28 and hitting four centuries. Finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer across formats in 2023, Sharma’s leadership skills and consistent run-scoring make him a formidable contender for the award.
