SHUBMAN GILL

In scintillating form in ODI cricket since the start of the year scoring five hundreds, Shubman Gill has quickly established himself as an integral part of India’s batting group. With the ability to play shots with ease on both sides of the wicket, the young opener can pace his innings accordingly as the situation demands and has also adapted well to the conditions. Gill also showed he has the capability of pressing on the accelerator when needed and can consistently unleash boundary shots. Some of his knocks in the home ODIs against New Zealand and Sri Lanka early in 2023, in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and versus Australia (just before the World Cup) bear testimony to that. Keeping aside a bit of his problem in tackling the delivery coming in towards him, Gill’s form and rhythm will take the pressure off Rohit Sharma at the top. Nothing like a good start.

ODI NUMBERS Played 34 Runs 1813 50s 9 100s 5 HS 208 Avg 64.75 SR 102.60

MOHAMMAD RIZWAN

Many would still remember Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliantly-crafted 79 not out against India during the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. The wicketkeeper-batsman has produced several such knocks that have been key to Pakistan’s recent success in international cricket. Yes, Rizwan may not have been as successful in ODI cricket compared to his success so far in T20Is. But for that, his batting order too may need a relook. Instead of sending him at No. 4 or 5, it may serve Pakistan better if they promote him up the order as an opener. For a batsman who has proved his ability to score quickly as an opener, even if it has been in the game’s shortest form, trying him out in the 50-over format may not be a bad idea for Pakistan, especially when the others who have opened lately have failed to deliver against stronger teams. Rizwan rotates the strike well too.

ODI NUMBERS Played 65 Runs 1693 50s 12 100s 2 HS 115 Avg 36.80 l SR 88.59

HEINRICH KLAASEN

A combination of hand-eye coordination and power is what Heinrich Klaasen is all about. At a time when South African cricket is going through a very difficult phase, this 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter certainly provides a ray of hope with his shot-making ability. The 83-ball 174 he scored against Australia at the Centurion earlier this month was reflective of the strokes Klaasen is capable of unleashing. Agreed, it was more of a second-string Australian attack, but clearing the boundaries with stand-and-deliver stuff one after another and swiping a yorker-length delivery over short thirdman aren’t too easy. Importantly, he looks to be aggressive against spinners and doesn’t allow them to dictate terms, which very few Proteas batters have been able to do. But he needs to work on his consistency. South Africa needs him.

ODI NUMBERS Played 41 Runs 1323 50s 5 100s 3 HS 174 Avg 41.34 l SR 111.64

HARRY BROOK

England have certainly taken a bold decision to include Harry Brook in their Cup squad instead of a more experienced Jason Roy, who did have the experience of international cricket in India. For Brook, whose ODI figures aren’t great by any means, lack of international cricket experience in Indian conditions would put him to a stern test, although he has some idea at least of the pitches here, thanks to his IPL stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad this year. Brook had scored a century as well in the IPL, though it came at Eden Gardens where the firm and even-bounce pitch suited him. On the slower tracks against spinners, Brook must use his aggression judiciously.

ODI NUMBERS Played 6 Runs 123 50s 1 HS 80 Avg 20.50 SR 79.35

DEVON CONWAY

One of the better technically-equipped batsmen currently in world cricket, Devon Conway’s form will be crucial to New Zealand’s fortunes in this World Cup. His ability to adapt to Indian pitches shouldn’t be a problem for the left-hander as he has had success in both ODIs here as well as in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings. Against spin too, he looks relatively stable and can churn out the big strokes when required. However, what could put Conway off is an unstable opening partner.

ODI NUMBERS Played 22 Runs 874 50s 3 100s 4 HS 138 Avg 46 SR 85.51