11 most valuable ODI cricketers of 2017
ODI cricket has seen 105 games and 301 players in 2017. This year has provided us some spectacular individual performances, both from the willow and the cherry.
Here are few noteworthy individual performances from the batsmen: Marcus Stoinis probably played the innings of 2017. The Australian single-handedly dragged Australia close to the target with his 146 against New Zealand. Martin Guptill scored a match-winning 180 while chasing a tricky target of 280 against South Africa. Du Plessis' 185 against Sri Lanka and E Lewis' 176 against England deserves mention.
Here are few noteworthy individual performances from the bowlers: Trent Boult's 6-33 helped New Zealand to win back Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. While Akila Dananjaya foxed India with his 6-54 in Srilanka, M Amir probably bowled the spell of 2017 in the Champions Trophy final against India. The Pakistani's 3-16 from his 6 overs in the finals helped Pakistan to clinch their maiden Champions Trophy.
While several stars struggled to make an impact, few unknown faces exceeded their expectations and performed well. We sift through the numbers, wickets, runs and conditions to pick the 11 most valuable ODI cricketers of 2017.
Let’s get into in a slideshow to find out the best ODI XI of 2017.
Opening Batsmen
#1 Rohit Sharma (India)
Rohit Sharma’s sublime form in 2017 has made him the automatic choice for the opener’s slot. In 2017, he has played 15 ODIs and added 902 runs. His runs have come at an average of 69.38 and a strike-rate of 95.44.
He has nine 50-plus scores from his 15 innings. They include four mammoth, match-winning centuries. Of the four centuries, three came in India's successful run chases. He has scored a total of 29 sixes in 2017, which is better than any other cricketer.
The Mumbai Indians captain’s form helped India to reach No. 1 position in the ODI format.
#2 Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
The Bangladesh team is having a good 2017. The Tigers have established themselves as a strong team in the shorter format of the game. Of the 11 ODIs in 2017, they lost only four games. Tamim Iqbal was one of the main reasons for the Tigers’ success. The opener amassed 623 runs with an average of 69.22. He has scored two centuries and four fifties from his 10 innings.
His ODI deeds helped his team to overtake Sri Lanka and West Indies in the ICC Points Table. Bangladesh has secured an automatic qualification for the 2019 ODI World Cup.
Honorable Mentions
1) David Warner (Australia) - His score of 691 runs came from just 13 innings. This year, the 30-year-old Australian opener averages 57.58 with a strike-rate of 102.82. He has lost the opening slot to Tamim Iqbal because of the Bangladeshi’s performance away from home. But other than three huge centuries, Warner has made limited contributions to the Baggy Greens.
2) Jonny Bairstow (England) - He has scored 534 runs from his 10 innings with two 100s and three 50s to his name. His form improved when the team management asked him to open the innings.