Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday decided to overlook past glory and bank on fresh blood with eleven out of the 15 members, playing their maiden World Cup, scheduled from February 14 in Australia and New Zealand.
Here’s a look into the team:
Dhoni (Captain): The Ranchi dasher may have retired his whites, but he is still undeniably, India’s best player in limited overs cricket.
Kohli: Arguably the best batsman in the world at the moment, Kohli will be India’s main man at the World Cup.
Raina: Over the last couple of years, Raina has established himself as an ODI specialist. Electric in the field and a deadly finisher with the blade, Raina has become one of the mainstays of the ODI team.
Sharma: His Test form, much like some of his teammates has been abysmal. But its the limited overs format that Sharma revels in. Fresh from a historic 264 against Sri Lanka, Sharma has fitted into the opener’s role well and will be relied on for strong starts.
Dhawan: After a prolific 2013, the man with the twirling moustache endured a dismal run with the bat in 2014. A poor player of swing bowling, Dhawan will be put through a stern test on the fast and bouncy pitches of Australia and New Zealand.
Rahane: After being a fringe player for so long, Rahane seems to have grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
Rayadu: From the clutches of the now defunct Indian Cricket League to playing for India, Rayadu’s comeback to the national fold is laudable. Rayadu may not be an automatic choice in the eleven, but is more than a capable back-up wicketkeeper-batsman.
Ashwin: The offie from Chennai played a limited
role in India’s 2011 triumph, but he will be the team’s leading spinner in 2015.
Jadeja: Jadeja is the perfect embodiment of the modern-day limited overs cricketer. Equally effective with bat and ball, along with being a live wire in the field, Jadeja is one of the most important players in India’s ODI set-up. His fitness will be the only worry.
Binny: The other all-rounder in the squad, Binny’s performances since his debut last year have been largely unimpressive. But on pitches that will assist fast bowlers, his seam-ups may be useful. However, it is difficult to see him dislodge Jadeja from the playing eleven.
Patel: After impressing in the Indian Premier League, Patel has made the transition from domestic to international cricket with ease.
Kumar: Kumar will lead India’s bowling attack at the World Cup.
Shami: Shami is one of the few bowlers in India who can move the ball at pace. Also a skillful exponent of reverse swing.
Yadav: Yadav may be the one of the fastest bowlers around, but his erratic bowling often spells trouble for the Indian team. (UNI)