All-time Cricket World Cup XI
In the 10 editions of the World Cup so far, there have been several match-winning performances by many players. Here’s an all-time World Cup XI consisting of some of the best performers in the mega event.
#1 Sachin Tendulkar
Possibly the most successful cricketer in the history of World Cups, Sachin Tendulkar has a sensational record when it comes to the mega event. His tally of 2278 runs at a strike-rate of 88.98 with 6 centuries is unmatched by any other cricketer and he was also, only the second cricketer after Javed Miandad to feature in 6 World Cups.
In his debut appearance in 1992, Tendulkar didn't have the most memorable campaign but he along with Brain Lara and Inzamam-ul Haq caught many people’s attentions and many touted the three to be the future stars of the game.
By the time the next World Cup came around in 1996, the Mumbaikar had already taken the world by storm with his flamboyant style of play at the top. He was the highest run-getter in that edition scoring 523 runs and he scored these runs without having a bat sponsor.The 1999 edition in England made news about Tendulkar’s off-field worries than the on-field ones. Tendulkar hit an emotional hundred vs Kenya at Bristol coming back from India after performing his father’s last rites.
The 2003 edition held in South Africa was his most memorable one with the bat where he amassed 673 runs and was adjudged the Man of the Tournament. The innings of 98 vs Pakistan is considered as one of the best one-day innings ever played and it is remembered by fans even today. Tendulkar was in such good form in that competition that he didn't face a ball in the nets in the entire 6 weeks that he spent there. Despite that performance, the winner’s medal eluded him on that occasion as India lost in the final to Australia.
The 2007 edition in the Caribbean was by far his most disappointing campaign where India were eliminated in the group stages and also had to face the ignominy of losing to Bangladesh.
He finally achieved his dream four years later when India became world champions by beating Sri Lanka in front of a packed Wankhede Stadium. On a personal level, Tendulkar had an impressive World cup scoring 482 runs at an average of 53.55 with 2 centuries. Only Tilekaratne Dilshan got more runs than him in the tournament. Despite the centuries, the knock against Pakistan in the semi-final at Mohali is remembered by one-and-all and it earned the man-of-the-match award.