ICC World Cup 2015: India v South Africa - 5 player vs player battles to watch out for

India have come into the tournament as the defending champions, but they have never beaten the Proteas in a World Cup match before. In what promises to be a mouth-watering clash at the Holy Grail of cricket - the MCG, the two teams square off tomorrow, with the winner likely to top the group. In terms of star-power and glamour quotient, these two teams would easily lead the World Cup 2015 charts.Gary Kirsten has already set the ball rolling by saying, “In many ways, the batting line-ups of both South Africa and India are very similar. Both these teams are capable of chasing down any score in any part of the world.” Let us, now, have a look at the battles within the most awaited battle of the season.

#1 Dale Steyn vs Virat Kohli

Dale Steyn vs Virat Kohli – This is the perennial war in all India vs South Africa encounters in recent times and duly tops the list here as well. When they met in Durban in 2013-14, Steyn proclaimed that the Indians were frightened of South Africa’s pace battery. Kohli then took Steyn to the cleaners, making it clear that the Indians were not scared of anyone. Don’t be surprised if another war of words ensues when they meet again this time.

“When I meet Dale Steyn, he gives me the biggest hug, but on the field we will look to dominate each other.” Kohli has let out the war cry. A lot will be at stake when India’s best batsman goes up against the world’s best fast bowler, as both of them can individually turn the match around for their respective teams.

#2 David Miller vs Ravichandran Ashwin

David Miller is in red-hot form, smashing 138 the other day against Zimbabwe, to bail South Africa out of danger. However, if there is any chink in his armour, it is his vulnerability against spin, especially against deliveries that turn away from him.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will look to exploit this weakness to the best of his ability. Being India’s premier spinner, he has a lot of expectations to live up to, and getting this danger man out early would be the best way to begin.

#3 Hashim Amla vs Mohammed Shami

Hashim Amla, the bearded warrior, has been instrumental in the Proteas’ success at the top. Not only does he lend stability to the batting order but also adds quality runs at the onset, laying down a strong foundation for the likes of Faf du Plessis, David Miller and AB de Villiers.

Mohammed Shami ran through the Pakistan batting line-up in India’s World Cup opener, taking 4 key wickets at crucial moments. If Shami can use the new ball rule to his advantage and trouble Amla right at the start, the Proteas will find it difficult to consolidate later. However, if he strays in line and length, the mighty Hash will not hesitate in punishing Shami for the same.

#4 Imran Tahir vs Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina might be suspect against the odd short ball, but his prowess against spin cannot be faulted with. The Indian stalwart smashed a quick-fire innings and took India to a par score against Pakistan.

The Indian team will be hoping that he continues in the same vein on Sunday as well. Raina’s power-hitting can prove crucial to India’s fortunes, and if he gets going, there is little South Africa can do to salvage things. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir will have to be at his best to contain the Indian southpaw. Taking Raina early could turn things largely in South Africa’s favour.

#5 AB de Villiers vs MS Dhoni

AB de Villiers vs MS Dhoni – A battle of the charismatic captains. If De Villiers is the best batsman in the world, Dhoni is the best finisher the game has seen in recent times. De Villiers smashed the fastest ODI century last month, but Dhoni has the penchant for turning around things in a big-match situation.

And if MSD possesses the midas touch, everything that comes off AB’s bat turns into gold. With their panache, their aggression and their out-of-the-box captaincy, they have the potential to change the face of the match single-handedly.