Five players whose injuries before ODI World Cup 2023 can hurt their teams

Less than a month is left at the start of the ODI World Cup 2023. While some teams have announced their preliminary squads, some others have yet to do so. Talking about the tournament, the same format will be followed that was in place during the 2019 event. 10 teams will take part in this and will play each other once during the league stage.

For the first time, West Indies won't feature in this tournament. Meanwhile, the teams that have qualified have faced some injury concerns ahead of the tournament. In this listicle, we will discuss those concerns that might end up hurting the team in the tournament.

Five players whose injuries will hurt teams during ODI World Cup 2023

Naseem Shah (Source: Twitter)

1. Naseem Shah

During the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Shah got injured and was ruled out of the tournament. Ahead of the tournament, he had shoulder trouble during the Lanka Premier League. During the continental tournament and the league, he played with a strapped shoulder. During the India game in the Super Four round, the 2021 CPL winner left the field and didn't bat.

He was replaced by Zaman Khan in the virtual semifinal against Sri Lanka. After the game, skipper Babar Azam made it clear that Shah might not play a few games in the World Cup. Now, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, the Quetta Gladiators player in the PSL might be ruled out of the World Cup.     

Travis Head (Source- Twitter)

2. Travis Head

The left-handed opening batter got hit on the gloves while attempting a pull shot against Gerald Coetzee in the fourth ODI. The former got medical attention and continued to play but only for three more deliveries before decided to retire. As per the head coach, Andrew McDonald, "At this stage, it's a confirmed fracture and how long that timeframe is, we're yet to determine that so fingers crossed clearly with the World Cup fast approaching,"    

Tim Southee (Source- Twitter)

3. Tim Southee

The New Zealand Test skipper injured his thumb during the fourth ODI against England. The scans have revealed that the right thumb's bone is fractured while dropping a catch of Joe Root in the first slips. The 2021 WTC winner didn't play any further part in the game and his recovery time period is yet to be established. Not to forget, he is the mainstay of the Blackcaps bowling.   

Anrich Nortje (Source - Twitter)

4. Anrich Nortje

The right-arm pacer sustained back spasms during the second ODI against Australia. He missed the third game and is also ruled out of the series with one game left. Nortje didn't play the third and fourth games due to the same. Even though the Pretoria Capitals' player in the SA20 is expected to start bowling next week, back spasms can re-occur that has been the case with India's Shreyas Iyer.     

Axar Patel (Source- Twitter)

5. Axar Patel

The all-rounder had two injuries on his hands during the last Super Four game against Bangladesh. Both times, he was in the way of the throw from a boundary rider. Apart from this, he sustained a cramp which is why he was strapped up. Even though Patel can be replaced by Washington Sundar, the former is a key part of India's World Cup journey this year.