Five Rising Stars to Watch Out for at the Cricket World Cup 2023.

The Cricket World Cup 2023, commencing in India on October 5, promises to be a stage where the world’s finest white-ball cricketers will showcase their talents. While the likes of Ben Stokes, Virat Kohli, and Trent Boult are anticipated to shine, this tournament also provides an opportunity for emerging talents to make their presence felt on the international stage.

Here are five young and promising players to keep a close eye on during the Cricket World Cup:

1. Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh).

Towhid Hridoy has seamlessly integrated himself into Bangladesh’s middle-order since his ODI debut in March. Emerging from the Under-19 ranks, Hridoy was identified as a potential gem in the 50-over format. This tournament could be the moment for the wristy middle-order batsman to shine and play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s quest for their first-ever World Cup final. With five half-centuries in his 17 ODIs, Hridoy has shown tremendous promise.

2. Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan).

Noor Ahmad, an 18-year-old left-arm wrist spinner, brings a unique dimension to Afghanistan’s bowling attack. With a distinctive high-arm action, precise control, and respectable pace, Noor made his debut for Afghanistan’s Under-19 team at just 14 years old. His full ODI debut against Sri Lanka at 17 was followed by an impressive performance against Zimbabwe, where he claimed figures of 4-10 in his sole T20I appearance. Noor’s participation in the IPL and mentorship under Rashid Khan make him a player to watch.

3. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)

Since the retirement of the legendary Lasith Malinga after the 2019 World Cup, Sri Lanka has been in search of a bowler who can replicate Malinga’s prowess. Matheesha Pathirana, a 20-year-old with a unique round-arm sling action, closely resembles Malinga’s style. Known for his yorkers and with an even lower arm action than Malinga, Pathirana made a significant impact when he joined the Chennai IPL squad in 2022. His ODI debut against Afghanistan showcased his potential, and he is affectionately dubbed ‘Baby Malinga.’

4. Gus Atkinson (England)

England is buzzing about the raw pace of Surrey’s Gus Atkinson. With Jofra Archer recovering from injury, Atkinson’s consistent delivery at speeds exceeding 95mph has garnered attention. The 25-year-old fast bowler made his breakthrough this year with impressive early-season performances, earning him an England call-up for the ODI series against New Zealand in September. Despite taking just one wicket in three matches, it’s Atkinson’s untapped pace that excites the English camp.

5. Teja Nidamanuru (Netherlands)

Teja Nidamanuru, originally from India, now represents the Netherlands in the Cricket World Cup. Born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and raised in New Zealand, Nidamanuru’s journey to playing in a World Cup is unique. He qualified for the Dutch team in May 2022 and made an impact with a half-century on debut against West Indies. His remarkable 76-ball 111 against Zimbabwe, where the Dutch tied the game chasing a target of 375, marked him as a player to watch. The Netherlands secured their World Cup spot, displacing West Indies.