The 2023 ODI Men’s Cricket World Cup would be remembered for its upsets, the glories, the victories of the Davids over the Goliaths, some remarkable displays of grit and determination and most importantly the run-hitting bonanzas that everyone savoured.
As we look back at the season, there is only admiration in our hearts for the batters. The list includes Legends and Stalwarts but also young neophytes who have made a mark for themselves.
The following is a list of the top run scorers of this edition:
| S No. | Player | Country | Runs | Innings |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 594 | 9 |
| 2 | Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 591 | 9 |
| 3 | Rachin Ravindra | New Zealand | 565 | 9 |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | India | 503 | 9 |
| 5 | David Warner | Australia | 499 | 9 |
| 6 | Rassie van der Dussen | South Africa | 442 | 9 |
| 7 | Mitchell Marsh | Australia | 426 | 8 |
| 8 | Shreyas Iyer | India | 421 | 9 |
| 9 | Daryl Mitchel | New Zealand | 418 | 8 |
| 10 | Dawid Malan | England | 404 | 9 |
In this article, we are going to discuss the exploits of the Top-5 Batters.
- Virat Kohli (India, 594 Runs, 9 Innings, Highest- 103*)
King Kohli has been at his majestic best. After a brief period of century drought in the middle, Kohli has displayed his resurgence since the Asia Cup. Batting with an average of 99 and strike rate of 88.52 he has amassed 594 runs in just 9 innings in this edition. Kohli has the best batting average in this edition. He has also hit the most fifties(5) in this edition.
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa, 591 Runs, 9 innings, Highest – 174)
The South African has been the quintessential batter of this season, a batter worth emulating. He comes at a close second to Kohli, scoring 591 runs. He has batted with an average of 65.66 and a strike rate of 109.24. He came close to a double ton when he scored his highest tally of 174 runs. De Kock also has the most hundreds(4) to his name.
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand, 565 Runs, 9 Innings, Highest – 123*)
The young Kiwi has left the cricket pundits and fans thoroughly impressed and craving for more. His explosive stroke play coupled with technical elegance has left everyone awestruck. Batting at an average of 70.62 with a strike rate of 108.44, Ravindra has contributed 565 runs to his tally. Ravindra has smashed the second-most number of hundreds(3).
- Rohit Sharma (India, 503 runs, 9 innings, Highest – 131)
Apart from being the most successful captain of this edition, winning all 9 games in the preliminary stage. He has been smashing the ball down the ground like a wild grizzly bear. In his endeavours, he has smashed the most number of boundaries(82), including the most sixes(24) and fours(58). Batting at an average of 55.88 with an impressive strike rate of 121.49, he has amassed 503 runs in 9 innings.
- David Warner (Australia, 499 runs, 9 innings, Highest – 163)
Warner has always been the fan favourite and his on and off-field antics have helped create a cult following in India. His popularity is quite evident when fans cheer him on with full vigour. He plays like a true bull as he stamps his authority with his explosive strokeplay. Batting at an average of 55.44 with a strike rate of 105.49 has helped him amass 499 runs in 9 innings.
Special Mentions
Glenn Maxwell (Australia, 397 runs, 7 Innings) Sitting at number 11 in this list, doesn’t feature in the top 10. But his 201* against Afghanistan would be remembered as one of the best innings in cricket history. It was a sheer display of grit, resilience and willpower as Maxwell battled his way through painful cramps standing his ground to get his team to the annals of victory.
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan, 376 runs, 9 innings) The young Afghan has been really impressive this season. Sitting at number 14, he is among the top 15 batters. His century against Australia, which is also a first for an Afghan in World Cup Cricket is a testament to his brilliance.
Batting Ahead
It has truly been an entertaining World Cup. The run-making exploits of the batters have made this edition even more special. The hard-hitting performances of the seasoned and the upstarts alike are worth emulating for young cricketers. While we the fans soak in their run-making glory.
Here’s the latest look at the points table after the end of the preliminary stage:
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points |
| India(Q) | 9 | 9 | 0 | 18 |
| South Africa(Q) | 9 | 7 | 2 | 14 |
| Australia(Q) | 9 | 7 | 2 | 14 |
| New Zealand(Q) | 9 | 5 | 4 | 10 |
| Pakistan(E) | 9 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
| Afghanistan(E) | 9 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
| England(E) | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Bangladesh(E) | 9 | 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Sri Lanka(E) | 9 | 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Netherlands(E) | 9 | 2 | 7 | 4 |
(Q = Qualified, E = Eliminated)