ODI World Cup 2023: India players who might play their last ICC Cricket World Cup

The excitement is building up as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to kick off on October 5. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the clash between defending champions England and New Zealand, the runners-up from the last tournament. The opening match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and marks the beginning of a thrilling cricket extravaganza.

3 things you need to know

• India is the stand-alone host of the World Cup 2023 
• Rohit Sharma will lead India for the first time in an ODI World Cup
• Virat Kohli and R Ashwin are the only Indians to play in 2011 and 2023 home World Cups

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This edition of the World Cup follows a familiar format, reminiscent of the 1992 and 2019 World Cups. 10 teams will battle it out, each facing every other team, vying for a spot in the top four. However, a significant change looms on the horizon, as the number of teams competing in the 50-over World Cup is set to increase in the future. The 2027 World Cup is scheduled to feature 14 teams, promising even more excitement and diversity in the cricketing world.

One of the key storylines of this World Cup 2023 is the potential farewell of several legends. With the popularity of T20I and Test on the rise and ODI cricket's waning interest, many players are contemplating their future in the 50-over format. For some, the World Cup 2023 might be their swansong, and they are determined to make it a grand exit.

Among the players who might be bidding adieu to the World Cup stage are some of India's cricketing icons:

Virat Kohli 

The ICC Cricketer of the Decade and a cricketing sensation, Kohli has been a force to reckon with in ODI cricket. Having tasted World Cup glory in 2011 as a young player, Kohli now stands at the helm of the Indian team. However, at 35 years old, he acknowledges that time is catching up. While he aspires to lift another World Cup trophy, he also values Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport. This could lead to a decision to bid farewell to ODIs and T20Is post-2023, in order to prolong his Test career.

Rohit Sharma 

Known for his prolific run-scoring and remarkable captaincy, Rohit Sharma is eyeing the elusive World Cup trophy. After missing out on the 2011 World Cup, he has become one of the greatest-ever ODI openers. With an age of 36, it is likely that this World Cup will mark the end of his ODI career, as participating in the 2027 World Cup at 40 years old would be a daunting challenge.

Ravichandran Ashwin 

A surprising inclusion in the World Cup 2023 squad, Ravichandran Ashwin replaced the injured Axar Patel. Ashwin, who featured in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, could not secure a spot in the 2019 squad. Now, with the tournament underway, he has hinted that this might be his last World Cup for India. He emphasised the importance of enjoying the tournament, acknowledging the possibility of it being his swansong.

As these cricketing stalwarts approach the twilight of their ODI careers, fans can expect an emotional and thrilling World Cup as these legends aim to leave a lasting legacy on the grand stage. The World Cup 2023 promises to be a fitting platform for these players to bid adieu to the 50-over format, with hopes of a glorious farewell. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be glued to their screens, witnessing the drama unfold as these icons strive for one last shot at World Cup glory.

India will begin their World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.