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5 Players who have failed to perform in ODI World Cup 2023

The 2023 ODI World Cup 2023 is now at its halfway stage, with the stage all set for an exciting finish to the league phase of the tournament. India, New Zealand and South Africa have had a great run so far as they have separated themselves from the mid-table muddle. Pre-tournament favourites like Australia, Pakistan, and England have not been too impressive, while the likes of Afghanistan and Bangladesh have won the hearts and minds of the cricketing folklore courtesy of their performances.

While the tournament has not had too many close finishes, some individuals have brought immense delight to their fans thanks to their brilliant showings. With the bat, Virat Kohli, Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Daryl Mitchell have led the way to name a few. Mitchell Santner, Jasprit Bumrah and Matt Henry are a few of the bowlers who have enjoyed success in the marquee event. There is no doubt that the returns of these players have entertained fans to the absolute core. However, there are a few others whose showings have left the fans disappointed and distraught.

Here, we look at 5 such players who have failed to step up at the biggest stage.

#1. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler has failed to fire in this tournament not only as a batter but as a skipper too. In four games so far, the 33-year-old has scored only 87 runs with a high score of 43. His form has had a huge bearing on England’s progress as they have lost three out of their four games so far and stand on the verge of elimination. As captain, he has looked lost and uninspired which hasn’t helped the cause of the defending champions. For almost a decade now, England has been the pioneers of a white-ball revolution but at this World Cup, they have looked insipid. All is still not lost but if they are to turn their campaign around, Jos Buttler will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility both with the bat and (skipper’s) hat.

#2. Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf was going to be a key player for Pakistan in the World Cup, especially after Naseem Shah was ruled out due to an injury. However, the speedster has had a terrible run so far as he has picked up only eight wickets in 5 games. Apart from not being able to pick up wickets, he has also been extremely expensive as he has conceded runs at almost seven runs per over. His erratic bowling has been one of the biggest reasons behind Pakistan’s downfall after they won their first two games. Three of his wickets have been of tailenders and he has also gone wicketless on two occasions. In the absence of Naseem and with Shaheen Shah Afridi not being at his best, Pakistan needed Rauf to deliver but unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, at least so far.

#3. Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow is an intimidating figure, and on his day, he can single-handedly demolish an opposition. He has been a crucial part of England’s one-day side for a few years now and was expected to play a huge role in the team’s title defence, especially considering his experience on Indian soil. Unfortunately, the senior batter hasn’t lived up to the billing as he has only managed 97 runs in four games. On the two occasions that he got started, he failed to convert them, and on the other two instances, he failed altogether. His underwhelming returns have cost Jos Buttler and Co., who are reeling at the bottom of the table. For England to bounce back and move up the ladder, Bairstow will have to be at his absolute best in the remaining few games.

#4. Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan has faced a lot of criticism in recent times for his lack of substantial contributions. However, Pakistan stuck with him and if there was ever a time to repay the trust and confidence shown by the management, it was now, at the biggest stage. However, Shadab, also the vice-captain, hasn’t been able to do that as he has picked up just 2 wickets in 4 games. He was dropped for Pakistan’s game against Australia in Bangalore but got a lease of life as he was included in the side for the game against Afghanistan as Mohammed Nawaz was down with fever. However, he failed once again as Pakistan suffered a humiliating loss following which skipper Babar Azam was critical of the spinners. Pakistan now face a conundrum as none of their spinners have been effective and it remains to be seen if Shadab will be given any more opportunities.

#5. Najmul Hossain Shanto

Coming into the World Cup, the 25-year-old Najmul Hossain Shanto was one of the in-form Bangladeshi batters and was also appointed as the vice-captain of the side. Much to Bangladesh’s dismay, the youngster has not been able to translate his form at the quadrennial event. He has notched up only 74 runs in 4 innings at a miserable strike rate of 67.88. His failure has reflected on his team’s position as they find themselves in the bottom half of the points table with just one win from four games. Having invested a lot in the youngster, Bangladesh would have expected a better showing from Shanto but it is still not too late. Shanto will want to produce some strong performances in the second half to help his side earn a few wins.