Defending champions India in a couple of week’s time will begin its title defence in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and it remains to be seen whether they succeed in pre-mediated motto of #WontGiveItBack. But for now, there are certain qualms that could possibly give an Indian cricket fan a lot of headache just before the mega event begins. Here is what, Indian fans are currently worried about.
1) Win-less Campaign in Australia
The recently concluded India’s tour of Australia had not a single win for visitors. After going down 2-0 in four-match Test series, there was an expectation of better show in One-Day Internationals (ODI), but World Champions failed to win a single game in triangular series, losing twice to England, once to Australia with one game being washed out. In a series preceding the World Cup, India’s dismal show has given an indication to rivals that defending champions are frail and beatable. Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches
2) Shikhar Dhawan’s form
Batting average of 12.25 in four innings of the triangular series sums up Shikhar Dhawan’s recent form. Leave alone his stats in Test series, where the opener scored just one half-century in six innings, before being dropped for the last Test at Sydney. We all know how instrumental Dhawan was in India’s successful campaign in ICC Champions Trophy 2013. He undoubtedly can win you matches, but the big question remains- Will he get his mojo back on time?
3) Unsettled playing XI
Tri-series served as a perfect platform for Team India to try out on various combinations ahead of World Cup, but nothing worked out. And now it leaves the players uncertain of their roles, Ambati Rayudu is not sure where he will be batting, if picked in playing XI and even there is dilemma over Virat Kohli’s batting position. Should he bat at number three or four is the question of hour.
4) Fitness Issues
Fitness is another major concern for Team India. Rohit Sharma, featured in just one match and couldn’t make it for rest of the games due to fitness issue. Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja add to the list of injured players. Even captain Dhoni went on to say in the press that not all boys were fully fit during tri-series. Then why unfit players have made it to the squad in the first place that leaves fans puzzled? Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Complete Fixtures & Time Table of all Cricket World Cup 2015 Matches
5) And as always, bowling
Fit or unfit India bowlers have always struggled in alien conditions and this World Cup looks like things won’t be different. Lead spinner Ravi Ashwin, who has played 13 matches in Australia and New Zealand, has picked just nine wickets and averages pitiable 65.00. Bhuvneshwar averages 60.20 in seven games played in Australia and New Zealand. With bowling friendly conditions, can Indian bowlers win matches on their own?
With couple of weeks to go for World Cup 2015, picture doesn’t look good at all and all an Indian cricket fan can hope is Team India has saved its best game for the World Cup, fingers crossed!
1) Win-less Campaign in Australia
The recently concluded India’s tour of Australia had not a single win for visitors. After going down 2-0 in four-match Test series, there was an expectation of better show in One-Day Internationals (ODI), but World Champions failed to win a single game in triangular series, losing twice to England, once to Australia with one game being washed out. In a series preceding the World Cup, India’s dismal show has given an indication to rivals that defending champions are frail and beatable. Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches
2) Shikhar Dhawan’s form
Batting average of 12.25 in four innings of the triangular series sums up Shikhar Dhawan’s recent form. Leave alone his stats in Test series, where the opener scored just one half-century in six innings, before being dropped for the last Test at Sydney. We all know how instrumental Dhawan was in India’s successful campaign in ICC Champions Trophy 2013. He undoubtedly can win you matches, but the big question remains- Will he get his mojo back on time?
3) Unsettled playing XI
Tri-series served as a perfect platform for Team India to try out on various combinations ahead of World Cup, but nothing worked out. And now it leaves the players uncertain of their roles, Ambati Rayudu is not sure where he will be batting, if picked in playing XI and even there is dilemma over Virat Kohli’s batting position. Should he bat at number three or four is the question of hour.
4) Fitness Issues
Fitness is another major concern for Team India. Rohit Sharma, featured in just one match and couldn’t make it for rest of the games due to fitness issue. Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja add to the list of injured players. Even captain Dhoni went on to say in the press that not all boys were fully fit during tri-series. Then why unfit players have made it to the squad in the first place that leaves fans puzzled? Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Complete Fixtures & Time Table of all Cricket World Cup 2015 Matches
5) And as always, bowling
Fit or unfit India bowlers have always struggled in alien conditions and this World Cup looks like things won’t be different. Lead spinner Ravi Ashwin, who has played 13 matches in Australia and New Zealand, has picked just nine wickets and averages pitiable 65.00. Bhuvneshwar averages 60.20 in seven games played in Australia and New Zealand. With bowling friendly conditions, can Indian bowlers win matches on their own?
With couple of weeks to go for World Cup 2015, picture doesn’t look good at all and all an Indian cricket fan can hope is Team India has saved its best game for the World Cup, fingers crossed!
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