World Cup 2015: Mahendra Singh Dhoni most searched on Google

New Delhi: Defending champions India garnered maximum search interest across participating nations, while Mahendra Singh Dhoni remained the most sought after captain in the digital world ahead of the cricket World Cup, according to data generated by Google search.

Fans from across the world are beginning to drive huge excitement and buzz as the opening ceremony of the ICC World Cup drew to a close and on-field battles begin on Saturday.

Global search trends data reveals that Team India as the top popular team in this year's World Cup, followed by Australia, England, Pakistan and the West Indies.

Among the marquee stars, Virat Kohli followed by Indian skipper Dhoni remained the most sought after player. The Indian duo are closely followed by Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

The other foreign players who are witnessing strong online support include David Warner, Shakib Al Hasan, Michael Clarke and Steve Smith.

Among the captains, search trends show Dhoni to be the most searched captain followed by AB de Villiers (South Africa), Michael Clarke (Australia), Eoin Morgan (England), and Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan).

Interestingly, Australian and English pacers are dominating the top searched bowlers list in the World Cup with fans searching most for Mitchell Johnson (Australia), followed by James Anderson (England), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Stuart Broad (England) and Mohammed Shami (India).

No bowler from South Africa, West Indies or New Zealand features in this line-up of the top bowlers.

Among the all-rounders, fans are rooting most for Stuart Binny (India), followed by Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Steve Smith (Australian), Ravindra Jadeja (India) and Shane Watson (Australian).

Fans have not discounted the wicketkeepers and their top searched favourites include Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Quinton de Kock (South African), Luke Ronchi (New Zealand), and Brad Haddin.