Shastri fumes, and Philander is shocked as eight Indians are included in the broadcaster's ODI team of the year
As 2023 draws to a close, reflecting on standout cricketers across ODIs, Tests, and T20Is is inevitable. In its annual tradition, the official Indian broadcasters for India's tour of South Africa unveiled their ODI Team of the Year, featuring as many as eight Indian cricketers in the XI. While it's extremely flattering from the average Indian fan's point of view, cricket experts like Ravi Shastri, Vernon Philander, and Mark Nicholas expressed disbelief in the selection process.
Shastri, the former India coach, said with a touch of shock, "It's a joke. Rashid Khan... does he play? I think there must be only Indians voting in there. No one else. Mitchell Marsh, Rashid Khan, and Quinton de Kock. One player from the World Cup-winning team is Adam Zampa. What a No. 7. Rashid is one of the best around. For him not to make the cut there is unbelievable. Jadeja is the best all-rounder. He and Rashid would have been the ideal combination across all surfaces in the world.
Philander mentioned, "If I am Quinton de Kock, I'll be highly disappointed to be missing out on selection. With his last year in ODI cricket and to sign off in the way he did, I tell you what. He is an incredible player. I understand that all these guys are worthy of selection; they've had a wonderful year, especially the Indians.”