World Cup 2015: Probable Indian XI

With the World Cup scheduled in Australia and New Zealand in 8 months time, Indian selectors are busy trying out different strategies and giving the fringe players chances at times. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami and few other pacers were experimented in different parts of the world and found reasonable success in India’s quest for quality bowlers.But with the focus on bowling, the batting suddenly look bleak after makeshift openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who replaced the experienced pair of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir but often look nervous and shaky at the start.Here, based on the conditions in Australia, we suggest a side that can hopefully defend the title of world champions.

#1 Rohit Sharma

Yes,he might find it difficult to deal with the bounce and pace but if he concentrates, and concentrates heavily his stroke makingcan force the bowlers to go to their second best plans. Why I am saying this is you need attacking openers and at the same time they should not be over ambitious to waste their starts.

Again Rohit Sharma can be ambitious at times but he is a good puller of the ball and that should help his case to be selected at the top. Moreover he has a good one day record as an opener and was successful in the Champions Trophy 2013. Currently on sidelines due to injury, he remains Indias first choice opener along with Shikhar Dhawan.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

He has been inconsistent lately, but the selectors will be having enough confidence to allow him to open for India down under.He gained some confidence back in England in ODIs and should look to do well in Australia.

If he fails, Gautam Gambhir should be the next choice ahead of Robin Uthappa. His calmness under pressure will be essential for success and even though Uthappa has grown into a better player, a left-hander at the top is a better option.

#3 Virat Kohli

He isone of the three unanimous choices at the moment, despite the setbacks in England.

No introduction is needed for his skills and capabilities. He seemed to have mastered the art of building his innings under pressure and is the ideal choice for this crucial position that needs a player to be both conservative and also to take the attack to the opposition.

How he comes back from the disappointmentwill have to be seen. But he is so matured these days and will definitely be able to keep his calm and steer India home.

#4 Ajinkya Rahane

Having him at No.4 gives the side some stability than to make himopen. If the openers fall cheaply he can play defensively to stop the floodgates and also go on the attack if necessaryfrom a good platform. For this reason hegets the nod ahead of the next best bet. He showed his mettle in England, and has been performing brilliantly as an opener in absence of Rohit.

Backup: Ambati Rayudu showed in England that hes capable of overcoming the odds and is a solid middle order option for India.

Yuvraj Singhhad some horrible outings in previous tours to Australia.No offence against Yuvraj but simply have to accept the harsh reality and Suresh Raina can be tried provided if he can keep his pull shot accuracy on the high or else he will fail for sure.

#5 Suresh Raina

We cannot say anything into it. Even thoughRaina might not bat at No.4, hecan still play given the fact that all other choices are either inexperienced or have failed to grab on to their opportunities.

Manoj Tiwary has not played enough international cricket to be playing in the World Cup.Wriddhiman Sahacan make the side as a specialist batsmen but the chances are minimal.

Robin Uthappa has expressed his desire to play at the top that makes his selection more tougher.

#6 Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Captain and wicket-keeper.

No alternatives. However, he had someissues in dealing with the fast outswingers and given the fact he will be coming down low in the order willnegate that effect, but you cannot give a guarantee that the top order can hold firm everytime.

Probably the best finisherof the game in world cricket, he needs some help at the other end if the side isgoing to get past the finishing line.

#7 Ravindra Jadeja

Who would have expected him to be playing for India for so longaftera disastrous startto his international career. But the confidence of his captain has given himsome boostand now he is one of the best ODI bowlers in world cricket.

However, he needs to improve a lot in dealing with short balls to consolidate his position in the side as an all-rounder.With comparativelylonger boundariesin Australia, his left-arm spin can be more effective.

Back-up: Stuart Binny, especially after his spell in Bangladesh. But he needs to develop his game more and more and should not expect helpful conditions everytime.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin

Hefinally admitted beingconfined witha restricting role that hampered his attacking instinct, he will relish the long boundaries in Australia.

But he will be forced touse more revolutions on the ball with his fingers in pitches that will not suit thespinners.His leg-stump line from around the wicketmight find some surprise successes again, but he should be concentrating a lot on his off-spinners and variations in pace.

Backup: Parvez Rasool Good lower order bat and growing in confidence with each game whichis much needed for a fingerspinner.

Amit Mishra is inconsistent with his line and even in his prime, one cannot assure anything in Australia.

#9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

First choice bowler.

Having made his ODI debut in 2013, he has grown leap and bounds in reputation. His ability to find swing even in batting conditions highlights his class. He has good pace for a swing bowler and it is important to maintain that pace in Australia.

He can help India with break-throughs in the middle overs as well. It is all about how well MS Dhoni manages him and this can determine theresults.

#10 Umesh Yadav

You need pace in Australia and cannot win with only swing. With Bhuvneshwar being the first choice swing bowler, you need someone who is pacy and can make the batsmen think twice before executing the pull shot.

Varun Aarons pace makes him lethal for the opposition, and his impressive show in England too would have woked wonders for him in eyes of the selectors, but the biggest setback for the pacer is his trouble with constant injuries.

On the other hand, Umesh Yadav has shown brilliant consistency in remaining injury free and keeping the pace up to trouble the batsmen. Hes likely to be chosen over Aaron for the World Cup and will be a threat in Australia.

Ishant Sharma You definitely need him in the side. Given the fact India plays 2 group matches at Perth afterAdelaideandMelbourne, it is one gamble worth taking.

Zaheer Khan is unlikely to be selected. India might go into the world cup without a left-arm pacer.

#11 Mohammed Shami

He gets the nod ahead of Varun Aaron. With some ability to reverse the ball when it gets old helps him to grab his place in the side and he will provide good support to Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the new ball.

But he should be saying to himself that he should not be bowling that one ‘hit-me-this-time’ ball that releases all the pressure after a good start to the over.