Will the Indian team that won the Champions Trophy make it for the World Cup in 2015?
Will these players make it to the World Cup?
The last edition of the ICC Champions Trophy held in June this year was won by India (without losing a single match), beating England (the home team) in the finals in an impressive encounter. This was another feather in MS Dhoni‘s cap. The winning team contained the following players:
1. MS Dhoni (captain): This guy has been touted as the best Indian captain ever. Under him, the Indian team has achieved unmatchable feats like winning the ODI World Cup, winning the inaugural edition of World T20, gaining number 1 spot in the Test rankings, and now the Champions Trophy. This man as captain for the 2015 World Cup will surely be key for a successful campaign.
2. Shikhar Dhawan: Well this moustachio boy had been performing really well at the domestic level and after not being able to get a good opener for India after Gambhir and Sehwag’s exit, he was called in. He lived up to the expectations of the selectors, when he hit a century in his debut Test against Australia and went on to become the highest run scorer in the Champions Trophy. He will be a valuable option as an opener due to Sehwag and Gambhir’s age, fitness, and form issues.
3. Virat Kohli: He may be a hothead, but he has unmatchable capabilities as a player. Along with being a flawless batsman, he is an excellent fielder as well. His achievements are numerous: he is the fastest Indian to reach the mark of 1000, 3000, and 4000 runs in ODIs. For three consecutive years (2010,2011 and 2012), he has achieved the incredible feat of scoring the most runs by an Indian cricketer in a calendar year. This young gun will provide huge support to the team at the next World Cup surely.
4. Suresh Raina: He was once touted to be among the best fielders in the Indian team. This attacking batsman has always been a big support to the team at any time of crisis. He has a notable list of achievements: the highest run getter in the IPL, only Indian to score century in all forms of cricket, and many more. His position may receive some tough competition from Yuvraj Singh (a World Cup hero), but putting him in the squad will always be of big help.
5. Dinesh Karthik: Although this man has been appearing only sporadically at the international level, when he is in form he clearly takes the team to a better level. He has been a consistent performer at the domestic level. His notable performances include: this year’s IPL and in his maiden tour of England, where he was the highest run-getter in Tests and in return India went on to win the series. He cannot be assured of a place, but if he continues his super form, then with him in, the team will just get rolling.
6. Murali Vijay: He has become a prolific figure in Tests but in ODIs, he has not been able to live up to expectations. He may have performed at a satisfactory level in both domestic and test cricket, but his performers in ODIs seem to be low and looks like the World Cup may be a distant dream for him.
7. Rohit Sharma: This lad has great capabilities and as opener has been a top performer. If Gambhir and Sehwag’s issues remain, Dhawan and him would make a cracking opening pair at the World Cup.