India come into the tournament as world champions of the one-day game. Their win ratio since 2011 stands at an impressive 1.70.

(12th May 2013)

India come into the tournament as world champions of the one-day game. Their win ratio since 2011 stands at an impressive 1.70. Being in the same group as Pakistan and South Africa means that fans will be treated to high voltage contests. In this team preview; PakPassion.Net will examine India's strengths, weaknesses and players to watch out for.

Strengths

India is blessed with an abundance of batting talent in their country. Although this time the selectors chose to go with a relatively inexperienced batting lineup. Although the middle order consists of dependable batsman such as Kohli averaging 49.43 and Dhoni averaging 51.85, new players like Dhawan and Vijay will have to step up to the table if they are to go far in the tournament.

Their fielding has been consistently good for the past few years. Fresh legs in the lineup will ensure that India will be ready to grasp any opportunity when it arises.

In Dhoni they have a calm and astute leader capable enough to assess any situation regardless of the pressure around him. Overall they have a well balanced squad of batsman, bowlers and all rounders.

Weaknesses

The horrid tour to England in 2011 will weigh heavily on their minds as they leave for England. They were utterly defeated in all forms of the game and were unable to offer any fight. Foreign tours will not be their cup of tea as their batting has shown to be frail in alien conditions.

Their bowling is also a weak factor lacking any sort of hostility. Though they have youngsters, who, in the past have shown the ability to be match winners - Are not considered consistent enough to be the leaders of the pack. Spin, Which is considered their strength in the bowling department - is expected to be a negligible factor during this tournament. In the current squad the only bowler to average less than 30 is Irfan Pathan which is no doubt cause for concern.
 

Players to Watch Out For

Virat Kohli

Widely considered as India's best ODI batsman Kohli has been on a good run of form in ODI's with the bat and seems confident enough to handle the pressure of scoring runs.

Ravindra Jadeja

India's key player this tournament, He holds an important position as an all rounder of the team and his form may well decide how matches play out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The leader of India's pace attack. He will enjoy bowling on English wickets. Dhoni will have to carefully manage his overs and save him for key moments in the match.

How far can they go?

World Champions of the 50 over format are expected to repeat that performance in England this summer - atleast by their supporters!

Discuss!