In 2007, to our surprise, we saw Dhoni lift the inaugural WT20 championship as he successfully marshaled a beaming young brigade from nowhere to glory. Six-and-a-half years later we still wait for that moment to repeat itself. With the fifth edition of the WT20 just around the corner it's time that Dhoni and his men prove a point to the world that their triumph was not a one-timer. This tournament not only gives them a shot at another WT20 championship, but also an opportunity to lay to rest the demons of their recent dismal performances.
To begin with, let us talk about the squad.
The 15 members include Mohit Sharma, the out-of-form Yuvraj and Raina along with the regulars. Among the various combinations for the playing XI my pick would be:
Shikhar Rahane Virat Yuvraj Raina Dhoni Rohit Jadeja Ashwin Bhuvneshwar Shami.
This represents the best possible batting line-up any team can have. Batting has never been a problem for India right from the dawn of the dinosaurs!!! It is the bowling that India really has to improve. Dhoni does not need to worry too much about whom to throw the ball to. Apart from the regulars he has options in Yuvraj (The main bowler in ICC Cricket World Cup 2011), Raina, Rohit and Virat. Though the options are many, India's bowling still lacks the depth of it's batting. Though the there are only 4 overs for each bowler to bowl, dot balls alone will not be enough. India needs wickets and even they know that. The next possibilty is the addition of Mishra at the expense of Rohit. In Mishra India has a legitimate wicket-taker, who is not only economical but also adds variety in the form of a wrist spinner. Given that the tournament is held in Bangladesh, the voice to add Mishra in the playing XI will only grow louder as the tournament starts. Mohit Sharma and Binny may have an outside chance. I don't see Varun Aaron playing a game considering his recent performances in the recent ODIs.
We really do have a reason too big to be disappointed with our team's performance - IPL. This cash-rich tournament was started after India's triumph in 2007 and has till now completed six editions. It threw open the doors directly for the people to watch the talented youngsters groom under experienced greats. Yet India has not entered the semis even once after IPL was started. Infact India lost 7 super eight matches in a row from 2009 to 2012 before it ended the losing-streak by defeating Pakistan and South Africa. The IPL only grew richer in cash and ended up in the news for all the wrong reasons last year.
Pakistanis have not participated in IPL since 2009; yet they are the most consistent team, reaching the semi-finals all the four times the WT20 was held.
We have been expecting a lot from team India. There is nothing wrong with our expextations. The players are capable of producing wonders. It's time they proved it. Action speaks louder than words.
India starts it's campaign with warm-up matches against Sri Lanka (March 17) and England (March 19).
India plays it's first league match against Pakistan on 21st March.
CATCH THE ACTION LIVE ON STAR SPORTS NETWORK.
To begin with, let us talk about the squad.
The 15 members include Mohit Sharma, the out-of-form Yuvraj and Raina along with the regulars. Among the various combinations for the playing XI my pick would be:
Shikhar Rahane Virat Yuvraj Raina Dhoni Rohit Jadeja Ashwin Bhuvneshwar Shami.
This represents the best possible batting line-up any team can have. Batting has never been a problem for India right from the dawn of the dinosaurs!!! It is the bowling that India really has to improve. Dhoni does not need to worry too much about whom to throw the ball to. Apart from the regulars he has options in Yuvraj (The main bowler in ICC Cricket World Cup 2011), Raina, Rohit and Virat. Though the options are many, India's bowling still lacks the depth of it's batting. Though the there are only 4 overs for each bowler to bowl, dot balls alone will not be enough. India needs wickets and even they know that. The next possibilty is the addition of Mishra at the expense of Rohit. In Mishra India has a legitimate wicket-taker, who is not only economical but also adds variety in the form of a wrist spinner. Given that the tournament is held in Bangladesh, the voice to add Mishra in the playing XI will only grow louder as the tournament starts. Mohit Sharma and Binny may have an outside chance. I don't see Varun Aaron playing a game considering his recent performances in the recent ODIs.
We really do have a reason too big to be disappointed with our team's performance - IPL. This cash-rich tournament was started after India's triumph in 2007 and has till now completed six editions. It threw open the doors directly for the people to watch the talented youngsters groom under experienced greats. Yet India has not entered the semis even once after IPL was started. Infact India lost 7 super eight matches in a row from 2009 to 2012 before it ended the losing-streak by defeating Pakistan and South Africa. The IPL only grew richer in cash and ended up in the news for all the wrong reasons last year.
Pakistanis have not participated in IPL since 2009; yet they are the most consistent team, reaching the semi-finals all the four times the WT20 was held.
We have been expecting a lot from team India. There is nothing wrong with our expextations. The players are capable of producing wonders. It's time they proved it. Action speaks louder than words.
India starts it's campaign with warm-up matches against Sri Lanka (March 17) and England (March 19).
India plays it's first league match against Pakistan on 21st March.
CATCH THE ACTION LIVE ON STAR SPORTS NETWORK.
Assuming India to be favourites, let us take a look at other teams...Australia and England have explosive batting with not so good bowling...Oz has Bailey,Warner,Watto,Steve Smith while England has Hales,Morgan and Lumb...South Africa looks formidable with AB,Faf,Amla,de Kock,Morne,Albie and Steyn but theyr not favourites due to their poor World Cup performances...NZ and SL dont look as strong as others but can pull out a surprise with the likes of Guptill,CJ Anderson,BMac,Ross Taylor,Pereras,Malinga and Sanga...Pak are as unpredictable as ever and solely rely on Afirdi,Hafeez and Ajmal...However the team to watch out for is the defending Champ Windies...with Gayle,Dwayne Smith,Sammy,Narine and Rampaul in their ranks, they defenitely have a team capable of taking the T20 WC by a storm
ReplyDeleteT20 cricket does not need form .Player should have capacity bat without wasting balls .
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