As the Cricket World Cup gets closer, we take look at batters who could emerge as the top players

With India hosting the World Cup, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli to guide the team to the trophy

Virat Kohli has so far scored 13083 runs with 47 tons in ODIs

Shubman Gill will be another Indian batter in focus given his top form in 2023

Gill has so far scored the most 1230 runs in 2023 with 5 centuries in 20 matches

Pakistan's hopes will rely on captain Babar Azam who is currently the No 1 batter in ODIs

Kane Williamson is returning from injury but is set to be New Zealand's main batter

Considered one of the best batters of his generation, Steve Smith will lead Australia's charge

Heinrich Klaasen has scored his runs in 2023 at a strike rate of 151 and the South African can be very dangerous