Cricket Legend Lisa Sthalekar’s top picks for Dream ODI World Cup XI include Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah

New Delhi: Two-time World Cup winner and former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar, who is also an ICC Hall of Famer, has shared her top five picks for a dream ODI (One Day International) XI for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Among her selections are two Indian cricket stars, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

Sthalekar, who has experienced the thrill of winning the World Cup with Australia in 2005 and 2013, is now a prominent cricket commentator, closely observing the modern game.

Her first pick for the dream team is the Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, praising his ability to take early wickets and perform well in the crucial death overs. She emphasized his versatility as a bowler who can be effective throughout different phases of the game.

In terms of batting, Sthalekar chose the flamboyant Virat Kohli as her second pick. She believes that Kohli’s exceptional record in the 50-over format and his ability to perform in front of his home crowd make him a valuable asset to any team. She also mentioned that this World Cup might be Kohli’s farewell, providing an opportunity for him to leave a lasting legacy.

For her third choice, Sthalekar selected Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam. She believes that the 50-over format of the game suits his style and predicts he will score a significant number of runs during the World Cup. Azam’s ability to lead from the front and anchor Pakistan’s batting lineup makes him a key player in Sthalekar’s eyes.

Australian batter Steve Smith secured the fourth spot in her dream XI. Sthalekar commended Smith’s adaptability to different playing conditions and his proficiency against spin bowlers, which she considers crucial in the middle overs of a match. She also highlighted Smith’s capability to control the innings.