In 2023, despite a recent verbal dispute with the ICC, seasoned Australian opener Usman Khawaja emerged as the top run-scorer in Tests, tallying 1,210 runs in 13 matches at an average of 52.60 with three centuries and six half-centuries.
Australia claims the next three spots too. Steve Smith is second, scoring 929 runs in 13 matches at an average of 42.22, including three centuries and three half-centuries.
Travis Head, a key player in the WTC final and ODI World Cup, follows at third place with 919 runs in 12 Tests, averaging 41.77, featuring one century and five fifties. Marnus Labuschagne holds the fourth position with 803 runs from 13 Tests at an average of 34.91.
In ODI batting performances of 2023, Shubman Gill stands out as the leading run-scorer with 1584 runs in 29 matches at an average of 63.36 and a strike rate of 105.45. He recorded five centuries and nine fifties, including a top score of 208.
Following Gill is Virat Kohli, who accumulated 1377 runs in 27 matches, averaging 72.47 at a strike rate of 99.13, featuring six centuries and eight fifties. The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, secures the third spot with 1255 runs from 27 matches, averaging 52.29 at a striking 117.07.
Three batsmen who left a notable mark in 2023:
#1 Towhid Hridoy – Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy marked his ODI debut against Ireland in Sylhet in March 2023. The 23-year-old claimed the Player of the Match title in his inaugural ODI by scoring an impressive 92 off 85 balls, including eight fours and two sixes.
Following his strong debut, Hridoy scored 49 in the next match at the same venue. He made a mark in the Asia Cup with contributions of 82 against Sri Lanka and 54 in a win over India. Despite facing challenges in the World Cup, the young batter showed resilience, contributing 74 against Australia.
In the year 2023, Hridoy participated in 27 ODIs, accumulating 727 runs at an average of 34.61, including six half-centuries. However, his performance in the T20I format was less successful, as he scored 175 runs in eight innings at an average of 25 and a strike rate of 131.57.
Hridoy is developing, and his performances in 2023 suggest he could become a notable player to watch in the near future.
#2 Yashasvi Jaiswal – India
In 2023, India’s emerging opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, seized the opportunities presented at the international level. The 22-year-old debuted in Test cricket during the West Indies tour in July, making a remarkable entrance by scoring a memorable 171 in India’s innings victory in Roseau.
After his impressive debut, Jaiswal scored 57 and 38 in Port of Spain but faced challenges in Centurion against South Africa. Given the tough conditions and the struggles of other Indian batters, Jaiswal’s performance wasn’t surprising. With more experience in challenging situations, he is poised to improve.
In August 2023, Jaiswal made his T20I debut, impressing with an unbeaten 84* off 51 against West Indies, a century against Nepal in the Asian Games quarter-final, and a crucial 60 off 41 in the third T20I against South Africa. It was a standout year for Jaiswal.
#3 Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand
After debuting internationally in 2021, New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra started to make a notable impact on the big stage in 2023. Making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in Auckland in March, the 24-year-old played a key role with a contribution of 49 off 52 in New Zealand’s 198-run victory.
Ravindra saved his finest performances for the grandest stage of all, the ODI World Cup. He emerged as a sensational player in the ICC event, accumulating 578 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 64.22 and a striking strike rate of 106.45.
Ravindra shone in the ODI World Cup, hitting three centuries with scores of 123* against England, 116 against Australia, and 108 against Pakistan. His outstanding performance marked him as a standout discovery in international cricket for the year.
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