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The World Cup is finally over. We have witnessed more than a month of high adrenaline cricket with performances from many stalwarts who were playing their last world cup, seasoned campaigners and also the relatively unknown who had come to make their mark.
I have tried to put up a dream XI based on the performance in the world cup. So here goes the dream team: -
The opening pair would be Sachin Tendulkar and Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Sachin has been instrumental throughout the tournament scoring runs with controlled aggression. He has been there for the team on most of the occasions. At 37, he has shown the world why he is still the best batsman in the world.
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Dilshan would be his ideal partner. An aggressive player from the word go, he has the ability to tear apart any opposition. He is also a handy off spin bowler and good fielder.
Players to miss out – Upul Tharanga, Virender Sehwag
The middle order would be Kumar Sangakkara, Ross Taylor, Yuvraj Singh, AB De Villiers and MS Dhoni.
Sangakkara has been in ominous form throughout the tournament and has the ability to play the shots as well. He will be the wicketkeeper as well.
Ross Taylor’s 131* against Pakistan was a top class knock and he was the lynchpin of New Zealand batting this time around. A dangerous customer if he spends some time at the crease.
Yuvraj Singh has contributed with the bat, the ball and on the field. Has regained his smooth touch this world cup and has been a revelation as a bowler picking up wickets whenever brought on to bowl. Also he is back to favorite cover position where he has been stunning.
The selection of De Villiers might seem foolish, but for me he is that extra batsman who can play lower down the order and score quick runs. Many of the other batsmen cannot bat at number 6 where you mostly get very little overs. He is also a very good outfielder.
Dhoni is undoubtedly my captain for his calmness. With the bat he can be dangerous at the same time play the waiting game – 91* in the final being his claim for this batting spot.
Players to miss out – Jonathan Trott, Umar Akmal, Gautam Gambhir, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Kieron Pollard
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The bowling lineup is completed by Afridi as the lone spinner, Zaheer Khan, Lasith Malinga and Umar Gul as the 3 seamers.
Afridi mixed up with bowling well enough to end up as the joint highest wicket taker. His batting if it skills is an immense bonus.
Zaheer Khan has been at his masterful best this world Cup being India’s wicket taker especially in his 2nd and 3rd spells. He is the joint highest wicket taker with Afridi.
Lasith Malinga can take wickets at any time of the day with his toe crushing yorkers. An amazing bowler to have at death. He took his second hat-trick in world cups against Kenya in the group stage.
Umar Gul completes the pace trio. He has been in his peak form of late. With one of the cleanest action around, his bowling at 140kmph + has been Pakistan’s backbone in pace bowling department. He has been accurate and miser at the same time.
Players to miss out – Dale Steyn, Kemar Roach, Tim Southee, Imran Tahir
