As the World Cup reaches its final phase, it has been a life-changing experience for several players and will end the careers of others who have failed to live up to expectations. The semi-final teams are locked in, and the six teams are either running out the clock or already on the way home. It used to be that a World Cup was a chance for players to impress each country’s selectors to remain in the national team into the future. But now the tournament has become an audition for the IPL scouts analyzing every last delivery, stroke, and piece of fielding as they work out who to draft into their franchise for next year’s T20 extravaganza.
For some players who have been hanging on for this World Cup as a way to end their career on a high, that dream is still alive. But for many, they are now facing the grim reality that Father Time is the winner. Stocks are rising for players like Rachin Ravindra, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, Dilshan Madushanka, and Mohammed Shami. Their impressive performances in the World Cup have caught the eye of IPL scouts.
However, players like Virat Kohli, Pat Cummins, Quinton de Kock, and Jos Buttler are facing pressure. For Kohli, there is a chance to become the gold standard for ODI cricketers. Pat Cummins’ captaincy has been effective, but he will need to lead the team to meaningful wins. De Kock needs to perform on the biggest stage, and Buttler’s dismal performance could affect his role as England’s ODI skipper.
Shakib Al Hasan’s reputation has also taken a hit due to a recent incident, and Steve Smith’s ODI spot is looking shaky. Mitchell Starc looks tired and lacks penetration, raising concerns about his future in the 50-over format. With the World Cup reaching its climax, the future of these players will become clearer in the coming days.