Best ODI XI of 2019 

With 2019 being a World Cup year, ODI cricket was always going to be the main focus of all the teams. There was a lot of ODI cricket played as build-up to the tournament, and all the big names turned out in the 50-over format.

The World Cup was the most anticipated event of the year and to be fair, the tournament lived up to the expectations. Most of the teams played some fabulous cricket and produced memorable matches, with the jaw-dropping final being the cherry on the cake.

There were a few players in particular who lit up the stage with their superlative performances. As we bid adieu to 2019, here's a look at the top ODI players of the year, arranged in the form of an XI:

Openers

Rohit Sharma (Matches - 28, Runs - 1490, Average - 57.30, Strike-rate - 89.92)

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma had an exceptional 2019, and ended the year as the leading ODI run-scorer. Rohit was in exemplary form throughout and scored 1490 ODI runs in the year, with seven centuries.

He had a particularly good time at the World Cup, where he scored 648 runs at a phenomenal average of 81. Rohit also smoked five centuries in the competition and was the leading run-getter of the tournament.

This was also the most successful year of Rohit's ODI career, in terms of runs scored.

Shai Hope (Matches - 28, Runs - 1345, Average - 61.13, Strike-rate - 77.92)

Shai Hope

Shai Hope provided stability to the West Indies top-order by giving strong starts to the innings. The wicket-keeper batsman scored over 1300 ODI runs in 2019 and emerged as the top run-getter of the side.

Also see – Ranji points table

With a career ODI average of over 50, the 26-year-old is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in a young and dynamic batting unit.

Middle-order

Virat Kohli (c) (Matches - 26, Runs - 1377, Average - 59.86, Strike-rate - 96.36)

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli continued his dominance in ODI cricket this year. The Indian captain scored 1377 runs at an astounding average of 59.86.

Kohli hit five tons in 2019 and played numerous match-winning innings for Team India. He ended the year as the second highest run-getter, only behind fellow Indian Rohit Sharma.

This was also the 7th time that Kohli scored more than 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year.

Babar Azam (Matches - 20, Runs - 1092, Average - 60.66, Strike-rate - 92.30)

Babar Azam

Babar Azam has had a stellar 2019 across formats. Azam, who has always been considered to be extremely talented, lived up to the billing this year.

The right-hander played some solid innings for Pakistan, scoring 1092 runs at an impressive average of 60.66. Azam has become the mainstay of Pakistan's batting line-up and in recognition of his maturity and composure, he was given the reins of the limited-overs sides by the end of the year.

All-rounders and wicket-keeper

Shakib Al Hasan (Matches - 11, Runs - 746, Average - 93.25, Wickets - 13)

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan had a mixed 2019. While he made news with some strong performances on the field, his actions off the field earned him a ban of two years.

Before his ban, Shakib had an exceptional 2019 as he scored 746 runs at an average of 93.25. He was steady as always with the ball too, picking up 13 wickets.

Jos Buttler (wk) (Matches - 20, Runs - 667, Average - 47.64, Strike-rate - 135.56)

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler played some crucial knocks for England in the lower middle order. While he scored 667 runs in the year, the most staggering part of his record is his sensational strike-rate of 135.56.

Buttler gave England extra runs at the end of the innings, which more often than not made a huge difference in the end result of the game.

Ben Stokes (Matches - 20, Runs - 719, Average - 59.92, Wickets - 12)

Ben Stokes

It was a year to remember for Ben Stokes. He miraculously won a nerve-wracking final for England, giving the team their maiden world title in front of their home crowd.

England's World Cup hero scored 719 runs at a fantastic average of 59.92. He was effective with the ball too as he snapped up 12 wickets.

Bowlers

Pat Cummins (Matches - 16, Wickets - 31, Average - 21.61, Economy - 4.73)

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins had a fruitful 2019, ending the year as Australia's leading wicket-taker. Cummins managed to stay away from injury and played 16 games for the Aussies. He took 31 wickets in these games at an average of 21.61.

Mohammed Shami (Matches - 21, Wickets - 42, Average - 22.64, Economy - 5.36)

Mohammad Shami

Mohammed Shami was nearly unstoppable with the ball in 2019. He was used as an attacking option by skipper Kohli and he responded brilliantly by providing crucial breakthroughs.

Shami took 42 wickets in 21 games, and is the highest wicket-taker of the year.

Trent Boult (Matches - 20, Wickets - 38, Average - 23.97, Economy - 4.70)

Trent Boult

Even though Trent Boult failed to deliver for his side in the final of the World Cup, his performances throughout the year cannot be overlooked.

Boult was New Zealand's strike bowler and he picked up 38 wickets in 20 matches. His economy of 4.70 is testimony to the control he has over his bowling.

Yuzvendra Chahal (Matches - 16, Wickets - 29, Average - 28.10, Economy - 5.73)

Yuzvendra Chahal

It wasn't really a year for spinners as the fast bowlers took the centre-stage, especially in the World Cup. However, India's Yuzvendra Chahal managed to hold his own as he finished the year with 29 wickets in 16 games at an average of 28.10.

Even though this record is nowhere near his best, it was better than that of his spin counterparts.