Sportskeeda's ODI XI of 2017
With the completion of the 3-match series between New Zealand and West Indies, the curtains are drawn on the 50-over format for 2017. In order of matches won, teams such as India (21), England (15), South Africa (13) and Pakistan (12) all enjoyed productive years. Therefore, it does not come across as any surprise that the four aforementioned sides dominate our ODI team of the year.
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We, at Sportskeeda, have selected a star-studded ODI lineup comprising some of the most prominent cricketers who sparkled in 2017. While overall consistency across the year remains the focal point, additional emphasis has been placed on performances in the Champions Trophy. In cases of close selection calls, players capable of slotting into niche roles have gained preference.
#5 Openers
One of only three batsmen to breach the 1000-run mark in 2017, Rohit Sharma showcased his effortless elegance at the top of the order. From 21 matches, he amassed 1293 runs at an astonishing average of 71.83 and strike-rate of 99.46.
Among Rohit's six centuries was a jaw-dropping double ton against Sri Lanka at Mohali. The right-hander's tally of 46 sixes was comfortably the most by any batsman. Towards the end of the calendar year, he also made his captaincy debut for India.
Even though the likes of Quinton de Kock, Upul Tharanga and David Warner also mounted strong cases for the second opener slot, Shikhar Dhawan's consistent showing in the Champions Trophy as well as a powerful scoring-rate throughout the year have enabled him to leapfrog his competitors.
Dhawan played 22 ODIs and scored 960 runs at an average of 48 and strike-rate of 101.37 with three centuries and six fifties. Having batted alongside Rohit for the vast majority of his career, the southpaw can form the other half of a reliable opening combination across different conditions.