Cricket has gained immense popularity not only in Asian countries like India and Pakistan but also has massive admiration in Australia, England, New Zealand, and the West Indies
Cricket is unwinding as one of the most popular sports in the world, and the Cricket World Cup is viewed as one of the most prestigious tournaments. With the ODI World Cup just around the corner, cricket fans across the globe could not contain their excitement and look for ways to watch the marquee event. Get ready to witness the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 live on YuppTV and experience nonstop drama, suspense, and thrill.
India welcomes the thirteenth edition of the ODI World Cup starting on October 5 to provide nonstop entertainment for more than a month. Team India enters the World Cup with great courage and assertiveness after grabbing the number one position on the world rankings in all formats. With all players in red-hot form, team India is considered a favorite in this World Cup by experts, ex-players, and fans. Although cricket fans regard the Indian batting order as one of the strongest and solid in the world, they have a threat from the left-handed pacers. The reason is that except for Ishan Kishan and Ravindra Jadeja, all the other batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shreya Iyer are right-handed. Indian batters have always dominated the right-arm pace bowlers and spinners but often faced troubles from the left pacers. Also, there is no left-handed bowler in the Indian squad against whom they can practice. Let us look at some left-arm pacers who can become a headache to the Indian batters in this World Cup. Interestingly, these bowlers are in the top 10 of the best ODI bowler rankings.
Shaheen Shah Afridi – This Pakistani young pacer is one of the top-rated bowlers in the world currently. His ability to swing the ball in both ways to generate pace and typical angle has helped him to gain prominence in international cricket. He has played a critical role in Pakistan’s success of late and strengthened its bowling attack. His brilliant bowling performance in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, where he scalped KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli wickets, is considered one of the best bowling spells in recent times. Pakistan not only won that match but also broke the jinx of Pakistan losing against India in World Cup matches. Although Indian batters handled him earlier and dominated him, the World Cup is a different league.
Mitchell Starc – Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is another left-arm bowler who can upset Indian batters and fans with his left-arm pace. He has troubled the Indian batters in the past and is gearing up to create a threat again with bounce and seam movement. His unusual height and the unique angle he generates will disturb Indian batters. Time will tell us how impactful he will be on the Indian pitches.
Sam Curran, David Willey, and Reece Topley – England has three left-arm medium pacers Sam Curran, David Willey, and Reece Topley, who have different actions that can irritate Indian batters. Topley picked 6/24 against India at Lord’s last year and troubled the top players like Rohit, Rishab, and others. His Yorkers were unplayable in the whole series. Sam Curran and Willey have a unique swing and seam in their bowling that prompts batters to miscalculate and play awkward shots.
Trent Boult – New Zealand’s top bowler, Trent Boult, is the most successful left-hand bowler against India. He has dismissed Rohit Sharma on eight occasions and Kohli six times in international cricket across formats. Trent Boult is at the fifth spot on the best ODI bowler rankings.
Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh is another terrific bowler with impressive pace, action, and swing. His incoming deliveries often trouble the right-handers and become tough to read.
Watch the ICC ODI World Cup live on YuppTV and catch the action.