Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will have to do a lot of multi-tasking. Keep wickets, think about fielding changes as well as strategise against individual players in the opponent team.
The jokes are on since the time he was drafted into the Indian team for the World Cup. While he is a guaranteed of a place in the playing XI, he may be included in the team if the weather conditions are in a favour of swing bowling.
Although he does not have too much international experience against his name, Akshar Patel has cashed in whenever he was given the opportunity. With Jadeja’s place in the final XI still under clod due to injury, the 20-year-old can well be the all-
He has pace and when in rhythm, he can rattle the opposition on the bouncy tracks in Australia. Unlike some of the fast bowlers who have represented India, the Vidarbha pacer is more than handy in the field as well.
Ishant Sharma found his rhythm back since the tour of England in July and troubled the Aussies in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He is a senior who could guide the younger bowlers as he is used to the conditions. Sharma can generate pace and
Ambati Rayudu has proved himself to be a steady batsman upfront. On top of that, he can also keep wickets and can be the substitute wicket-keeper. He is known to hit the ball hard along with proper timing.
Mohammad Shami has both the pace and swing. Shami is the man who is able to break partnerships, provide the breakthrough in tense situations.
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, a genuine swing bowler who can fetch the team wickets. On top of that, he is a decent batsman who can hang around for a bit too.
Spin bowling in Australia is a different ball game and Ravichandran Ashwin surely knows how to go about his job with the odd ones, doosras and the carrom ball.
Though it remains to be seen whether Ravindra Jadeja is fit for the mega event but if he is, God save the opponents. Imagine how it would feel if you have to bowl to a full-fledged batsman coming in at No 7? Jadeja adds to the strength being an all-
Suresh Raina who comes in at No 5 without any set target in mind. His motive is to keep the scoreboard ticking. He doesn’t play for records and doesn’t mind getting out in the 20s or 30s. All he wants is to get the job done for the team.
Ajinkya Rahane, the right-handed batsman from Mumbai could fill in the shoes of former cricketer Rahul Dravid. Even he is like the wall who doesn’t throw his wicket away easily. If somebody needs to play the role of a sheet anchor, it is him.
It has been rare that Rohit Sharma went for the aerial route and did not succeed. He makes hitting look risk-free. But yes, the flat bouncy tracks in Australia with a little bit of movement added in New Zealand could expose him.
The 29-year-old left-hander, Shikhar Dhawan, has the capability of sending bowlers on a leather hunt in any condition. How? His hand and eye coordination. Much like his predecessor Virender Sehwag, this Delhi lad can change the course of a match
Virat Kohli has proved his worth almost in every possible ground in the world. The No 3 batsman can hold his nerve, fight through the innings and finish a match. His strength lies in his confidence that he carries on his sleeves, as well as mouth (