20 January, 2011

India World Cup 2011 squad: An Analysis


“The BCCI national selectors-led by K Srikanth has announced the final 15-member squad for the forthcoming World Cup 2011 on Monday.”

Not surprisingly, selectors have included four pacer and three spinners in the squad while the batting line-up is at par the expectations. The selection of batsmen indicates that selectors are not in mood to disturb the trusted order, which includes Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan and MS Dhoni.

However, exclusion of Ishant Sharma and Rohit Sharma from the final 15, was little bit surprising. Despite of selecting three wicketkeepers in the 30-member list of World Cup probables, Srikanth & Co. have shown interest in just one stumper (Dhoni).
Ravichandran Ashwin’s great run in the cricket field continues as he managed to get the World Cup ticket along with leg spinner Piyush Chawla.


India’s strength in the World Cup 2011:

Skipper MS Dhoni-led Team India has been performing brilliantly in the ongoing South Africa tour. Dhoni is the capable captain and his past performance as a leader invites more expectations from him in the World Cup.

After early debacle in the 2007 World Cup, Dhoni and his side are favourite to win the World Cup in sub-continent.

However, Dhoni has made changes in his batting style after the captaincy and emerged as the match finisher for Team India in the past. He is the backbone of Indian middle order and his role will be crucial in India’s World Cup campaign.

The Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, the iconic cricketer in world arena, has a great world cup journey until now. He will definitely try to fulfill his world cup dream this time. The legendary batsman has almost every record in his kitty but he has always a dream to be a part of winning world cup side.

Tendulkar will equal the record of most World Cup appearance this year and will also try to guide his side towards the title. He is the key player for India in the World Cup. His presence in the final XI means the half job is already done.

Virender Sehwag, the most explosive opener of present era, is the key match winner for India. His role as a part-time bowler is also makes him crucial in the side. His devastating batting style can change the result of game anytime. The opening combination of Sehwag and Tendulkar is the most dangerous in the cricket world.

Gautam Gambhir is the next key player in the side. In the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, he opens for India. In the Sub-continent, his records are impressive. Another quality of Gambhir is his fielding.

Yuvraj Singh, a flamboyant middle order batsman, is known for his match winning innings and handy part-time bowler. However, he is going through the bad phase of his career but he scored much needed half century in the second ODI against South Africa. He will strengthen the Indian middle order if top order is collapsed. Yuvraj is also an electric-fielder.

Suresh Raina, is another attacking middle order batsman. He is capable of hitting big shots and has played several crucial innings down the order. He is an electric fielder. He has always provided breakthrough whenever asked to bowl.

Virat Kohli will play his maiden World Cup but he has cemented his place in the side through consistence performance in the last one year. He is a good striker of ball and his technique makes him suitable for the No.3 batsman. Being a good fielder, he will strengthen the Indian fielding.

Yusuf Pathan is the genuine all-rounder in the Indian side. However, inconsistency is the big problem with him. Pathan is a valuable fifth bowler for India. He is capable to change the mood of game in the lower order.

Zaheer Khan is the spearhead of Indian pace attack. He is the most experience campaigner in the World Cup Squad. He can score with the bat down the order. Zaheer Khan’s performance will set the game for India in the World Cup. He is the genuine wicket taker for the past few years.

Praveen Kumar is the genuine swinger of new ball. He is able to swing the ball both ways. He is also economical and eligible pinch-hitter. 

Munaf Patel is known for his consistent line and length. He has proved several occasion that he is capable to check the run flow. In the Second ODI against South Africa, he took 4/29 to guide India towards victory. 

Ashish Nehra is most devastating when he is in form. But lack of consistency and injuries are major problem with him. He is believed to be a poor fielder in the Indian side.

The ace offie Harbhajan Singh will lead the spin department. He has emerged as the good hitter in the past few years. But he some time becomes more expensive

Ravichandran Ashwin, a budding spinner, earned the World Cup ticket with his capacity to take the wicket early. He is more economical than Harbhajan Singh. He is also able to hit the ball down the order.

Piyush Chawla is the only leg spinner in the side. However, he lacks confidence of skipper Dhoni. However, he is able to bat down the order.

Over all the Indian side is looking very much strong on the paper. But winning a match is totally different phenomenon. Cricket is a team game and all players will have to fire with full cylinders to win a match.

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