2007 Cricket World Cup Squad Preview - India
| 7
|
by user Alex Holowczak
| 2007 Cricket World Cup | |
| Australia | |
| Bangladesh | |
| Bermuda | |
| Canada | |
| England | |
| India | |
| Ireland | |
| Kenya | |
| Netherlands | |
| New Zealand | |
| Pakistan | |
| Scotland | |
| South Africa | |
| Sri Lanka | |
| West Indies | |
| Zimbabwe | |
The Runners Up from 2003 will be one of the favourites again this time around. In their group are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bermuda, and should win it comfortably. Only Sri Lanka poses a real threat in their group.
The Indian squad is strong on paper.
Rahul Dravid
Type: Batsman, Wicketkeeper, Captain
Dravid is one of the top batsmen in the world, and is the rock at Number 3 of the Indian batting order. He’ll contain the game while the others attack, as his nickname “The Wall” suggests.
Ajit Agarkar
Type: Bowler
Agarkar is a decent one day bowler that also packs a punch with his bat, where he has improved hugely. May get into the team as a result.
Mahendra Dhoni
Type: Batsmen, Wicketkeeper
Dhoni has been India’s greatest recent find. Excellent with the bat, and a proper wicketkeeper, India no longer have to rely on Dravid (an occasional ‘keeper) in the One Day game. Could put India over the top.
Sourav Ganguly
Type: All Rounder
Ganguly was recently recalled to the Indian team after indifferent form. He could be key in this World Cup, and his occasional seamers could use vital overs in the middle of an innings.
Harbhajan Singh
Type: Bowler
A great off-spinner, Harbhajan can literally turn the game in India’s favour. Promised more at the start of his career, but he is still likely to play a major role in the World Cup.
Dinesh Karthik
Type: Batsman, Wicketkeeper
India’s back up ‘keeper might not see much action, but he is a more than able understudy with both bat and gloves.
Zaheer Khan
Type: Bowler
An underrated seamer with a decent bat, Zaheer is going to play a vital role with the new ball for India. Improved since 2003.
Anil Kumble
Type: Bowler
At 36, this is likely to be Kumble’s last World Cup, and the fast leg-break bowler is still one of the best around. His average with the ball is a bit high, but he is still one of the best bowlers around at the moment.
Munaf Patel
Type: Bowler
Came out of nowhere, but is likely to feature. A medium pacer, some teams may find him out towards the end of the tournament.
Irfan Pathan
Type: All Rounder
Pathan is another great Indian find, and has proved himself more than capable with both bat and ball at just 22. Could be a star of the tournament.
Virender Sehwag
Type: Batsman (opener)
An opening batsman, Sehwag has frustrated India due to not being able to transfer his incredible Test Match game into One Day cricket. He is still more than able however, and should do well.
Santha Sreesanth
Type: Bowler
Sreesanth has been another recent addition to the Indian side, and will probably act as a backup seamer that won’t see too much action in the competition when it heats up.
Sachin Tendulkar
Type: Batsman (opener)
Tendulkar is the best batsmen in the world. He has had more 100s than anyone else in One Day cricket ever, and is likely to be India’s key player this time around. If India are chasing a big total, Tendulkar moves up from his usual Number 4 to open the batting. He will be key in this tournament.
Robin Uppatha
Type: Batsman (opener)
Uppatha is only young, and could be great by the 2011 competition. He is still inexperienced, but could be thrown in against weak opposition to give him some confidence. He is likely to play in the competition, opening the batting with Sehwag. Can occasionally keep wicket.
Yuvraj Singh
Type: All Rounder
Yuvraj may play a key role if India decide to play him, as he will only be used if they feel they need more batting, and are prepared to sacrifice a bowler, and use him, Sehwag, Ganguly and maybe Tendulkar to make up the other overs. Playing him will be high risk, but it could pay dividens.
Strengths
- Great batting with Sachin Tendulkar. Dravid and Ganguly are more than able.
- Kumble and Harbhajan are excellent spinners.
- One of the best batting keepers in Mahendra Dhoni.
- Depth at wicketkeeper if Dhoni gets injured.
Weaknesses
- Seam bowling is improved but still suspect.
- Sehwag and Uppatha are unproven openers together.
- Indian fielding is notoriously dodgy.
- Squad make-up. They may have picked too many bowlers.
Verdict
I think India are the favourites to win the competition with Australia slipping up in recent weeks. This India team was second in 2003, and all have gained in experience since then. Add to that the fresh young talent of Dhoni and Patel, as well as the improved Agarkar, Zaheer, a revitalised Ganguly, top spinners in Kumble and Harbhajan that are likely to do well on spinner friendly pirches, and the ever-dependable geniouses of Dravid and Tendulkar, and you have a team that could go all the way.
