The 2015 ICC World Cup is less than two months away and today the selectors will announce the 15-man India squad.
The 2015 ICC World Cup is less than two months away and today (06 January, 2015) is when team India will announce its 15-man squad.
India is the defending champion and will be expected to retain the trophy on international lands, where they are considered poor performers.
Millions of eyes will be glued to the TV set all day long to know the names of the fifteen men who would represent the country this time around in Australia and New Zealand.
India is currently playing Test Series in Australia, which will be followed by a triangular ODI series with England being the third team. This can be the perfect opportunity for the team to test its formidable batting lineup and the bench strength at the same time.
Meanwhile, the selectors will be amassing the 15-member squad that would represent India in the ICC World Cup 2015. Here are the names of players that we believe will feature in the squad to be sent to Australia and New Zealand –
MS Dhoni (Captain, Wicketkeeper) – Dhoni has retired from Test cricket, but not from ODIs and T20s. He will be captaining the Indian team with Virat Kohli as his deputy. Certainly his last World Cup tournament, the man would want to prove that winning the World Cup in 2011 was not a fluke.
Virat Kohli – Kohli is one of the consistent performers in the current Indian team that is playing in Australia. Getting acquainted to the local conditions over the next month or so can prove handy for the Indian vice-captain and the Indian team overall.
Shikhar Dhawan – Although the Indian opener is not in the best of touch, he will surely feature in the 15-man squad. While announcing the 30-member probable list, he was listed as one of the three opening batsmen. The tri-series against Australia and England is the idea opportunity for him to get his form back.
Ajinkya Rahane – Another consistent performer in the current Indian Test team playing in Australia, Rahane deservedly needs to be added to the top-15. His present average in One Day International is below 30. Nevertheless, like other struggling batsmen, this chance is perfect for him to show that he is not a one-hit wonder.
Rohit Sharma – There is no doubt that after scoring 264 against Sri Lanka in November last year, Sharma will be one of the key members in the Indian squad. His ability to play long innings will definitely be an asset and if he performs consistently, Rohit could be the most feared Indian batsman during the World Cup.
Suresh Raina – Raina, too, is one of the most consistent players in ODIs and T20 cricket. He has helped India reach tough targets on numerous occasions, thanks to his blistering batting style. He will be a strong contender for the starting-11 in every match.
Ravichandran Ashwin – Known as a poor overseas performer, Ashwin might still feature in the 15-man squad. Currently, he is one of the contenders for India’s Test vice-captaincy. He is also one of the best spinners in the Indian squad at the moment and on his best day he can trouble any top order batsman on any pitch in any part of the world.
Ishant Sharma – The lanky fast bowler might not appear in the best of form, but his experience on Australian pitches might help India.
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar – Though the conditions in Australia and New Zealand differ on different levels, they are similar when it comes to seaming. Seam bowlers can get a lot of help here and with Kumar possessing the ability to swing the ball both ways, he may help India win the matches.
Umesh Yadav – Currently, he is the quickest bowler in the Indian side also having the capability to get wickets at regular intervals. His speed and varied bowling lengths might leave opposition batsmen in a tizzy.
Mohammed Shami – Shami is another quickie, who can be the winner for India on numerous occasions. Although he is not in top form, the ODI series might be ideal for him to gain his form back.
Murali Vijay – The opening Test batsman is in the form of his career. Yet the selectors might be sceptical to include him in the 15-member squad. The reason behind the same can be 33 runs being his highest score in ODIs in the last 14 innings.
Yuvraj Singh – The selectors are definitely hurting not including Yuvraj in the 30-man probables list they announced in December last year. Playing for Punjab in the on-going Ranji Trophy, the Indian all-rounder has already scored three centuries in four innings. Yuvraj was also adjudged the Man of the Tournament in the 2011 ICC World Cup.
Ambati Rayudu – Rayudu may be forced to fight against Robin Uthappa for this spot and might actually win it. He is decent with the bat and a handy fielder regardless of which position he gets allotted.
Ravindra Jadeja – Reports of Jadeja not being fit for the World Cup due to shoulder injury came as a shock to many people. Nevertheless, he is undergoing rehabilitation and if things fall in place and he recovers, the left-arm off spinner might feature in the 15-man squad.
