RAVINDRA JADEJA
Jadeja is a big-match player and the enormity of the occasion always brings out the best in him. Had he batted a few more overs at Old Trafford in the World Cup’s last edition, India could have played the final at Lord’s. When the top-order failed the test against New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Trent Boult, Jadeja finished as the highest scorer and reignited chances of a victory following his partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But that’s history and the spin-bowling all-rounder will get a third chance to lift the coveted trophy, this time at home. He has been slightly off the track with the bat recently but the event will spur him on to perform. Batting aside, his athletic presence on the field is always a bonus. The bowling too will be vital in familiar home conditions along with his ability to provide the breakthroughs.
ODI NUMBERS Played 186 Runs scored 2636 Wkts 204 Catches 67
HARDIK PANDYA
The mindset of an all-rounder is different from a specialist batter or bowler. So are the challenges. Pandya put it bluntly when he recently said “my workload is twice or thrice as anyone else”. Since his comeback from a back surgery, he has gradually picked up pace and his incisive bowling will be the key to India’s chances. Expected to play the role Yuvraj Singh performed during India’s 2011 triumph, Pandya needs to hold the innings together at No.6 if there’s a top-order collapse. With only two specialist pacers likely to be slotted in the XI, he will have to perform the sixth bowler’s role to perfection as well. Responsibility always brings out the best in him and the vice-captain’s adaptability and mindset will be crucial in the tournament.
ODI NUMBERS Played 82 Runs scored 1758 Wkts 79 Catches 31
RACHIN RAVINDRA
The youngster made his mark with a solid 97 off 72 balls as an opener in New Zealand’s opening warmup game against Pakistan on Friday. The all-rounder, who is of Indian origin, also forged a 137-run partnership with Kane Williamson. Not just his batting, he can also complement New Zealand’s left-arm spin attack with Mitchell Santner. Having come through the ranks and participated in two U-19 World Cups for his adopted country, he will get a chance to prove himself on the big stage in his maiden ODI World Cup. Inspired by legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, his Indian parents named him Rachin, derived from ‘Ra’ of Rahul and ‘chin’ from Sachin. This will be a good opportunity to make his parents proud through effort and commitment.
ODI NUMBERS Played 12 Runs scored 189 Wkts 12 Catches 3
GLENN MAXWELL
The Australian all-rounder has often been described as the X-factor in the team. Having recovered from an ankle injury, Maxwell made his mark with a four-wicket haul that jolted India’s hopes in the third ODI in Rajkot. The Victorian played a crucial part in their victorious 2015 World Cup campaign, including a 51-ball century against Sri Lanka in Sydney. Regarded as an exciting talent, he always performs to potential for Australia. A clean hitter in the slog overs, he can turn a match on its head with his off-spin. Having played in the IPL for several seasons, he knows the conditions well and will use it to his team’s benefit. His presence provides the Aussies with the perfect balance.
ODI NUMBERS Played 129 Runs scored 3495 Wkts 64 Catches 81
SHAKIB-AL HASAN
Controversy has always been a part of Shakib’s career but that has never come in the way of his performance. The furore over Tamim Iqbal’s exclusion will not settle down in a hurry and Shakib will have a point to prove. Shakib always loves to lead by example and his rich experience and class will go a long way in deciding Bangladesh’s fortunes. The conditions will suit his style and he will be keen to make his fi fth ODI World Cup memorable. Besides his explosive batting, Shakib’s crafty left-arm spin has come to the team’s rescue on several occasions. The youngsters will look up to his inspirational captaincy and he will be keen to bow out of the hot seat on a high.
ODI NUMBERS Played 240 Runs scored 7384 Wkts 308 Catches 58
