India’s hammering of United Arab Emirates was their second biggest win in terms of balls remaining, all thanks to Ravichandran Ashwin’s best-ever figures (4/25) and Rohit Sharma’s return to form with an unbeaten half-century after disappointing showings against Pakistan and South Africa.
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Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, who returned to action for the injured Mohammed Shami, claimed two wickets, conceding 19 runs in his five-over spell. UAE never read the WACA pitch, supposedly the fastest in the world, losing wickets upfront against pacers and rattled by spin-bowling in the middle overs.
The Men in Blue have transformed themselves from being underdogs in the tri-series Down Under to World Cup contenders in a couple of weeks and having played their so-called most difficult games already. There seems to be no stopping MS Dhoni and Co and their remaining group matches are against an inconsistent West Indies side, surprise package Ireland and the lowly Zimbabweans. Their net run rate is 1.370 more than second-placed South Africa and they remain favourites to top Group B.
Overall, Dhoni’s men have been clinical in all aspects of the game – aggressive batting, disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Moreover, Dhoni’s demeanour has empowered this young energetic group of players to perform at their best despite losing a couple of players through injury. Lacking experience, form and fitness was a concern but the defending champions are no doubt living up to their reputation and stature. Here’s a look at the Top 5 Indian players to have made an impact so far in the group stage.
Two Drop Catches Of Virat Kholi in Pak India World Cup 2015 match: http://t.co/UbndTEv36P via @YouTube
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5) Virat Kohli
Kohli’s 75-run partnership with Rohit Sharma ensured there were no further hiccups in the chase against UAE. India’s vice captain has always been a vital cog in the line-up, scoring enormous amounts of runs and breaking numerous records along the way. Kohli became the first Indian batsman to score a World Cup century against Pakistan and the fastest ever to reach 22 hundreds in ODIs in 143 innings. Though he managed to score only 46 against the Proteas, his partnership with Dhawan paved the way for the middle-order to bat freely. Kohli’s average of 93 is the highest amongst Indian batsmen in this World Cup
4) Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin’s four-for against UAE was his best-ever figures and his first-ever four-wicket haul in 91 ODIs. Ashwin had taken just eight wickets at an average of 44.75 in ODIs in Australia before this World Cup but in three matches in this World Cup, he has already taken eight wickets at 13.37. Moreover, Ashwin’s economy rate of 3.80 is the best amongst Indian bowlers so far, which includes three maiden overs against Pakistan. After being dropped in the tri-series, the off-spinner has proved his critics wrong by performing on pace-friendly pitches.
3) Mohit Sharma
Injury to Ishant Sharma meant India were running short of quality bowlers but Mohit Sharma has exceeded expectations with his performance so far, picking up two wickets in his seven overs with an economy rate of 4.42 against South Africa, and three wickets in his nine-over spell against Pakistan. A solitary wicket against UAE earned him third spot in the wicket-taking list below Shami and Ashwin, but his gentle swing and slow off cutters will continue to hypnotise batsmen.
2) Mohammad Shami
India’s leading wicket-taker (6) before R Ashwin’s 4-wicket haul against the UAE, Shami overcame a forgetful tour of Australia to be included in the World Cup squad. Injuries to Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma forced the selectors to opt for the medium pacer, who hasn’t disappointed so far with his disciplined line and length. Shami recorded his career-best 4/35 against Pakistan and restricted the Proteas early on, claiming 2/30. R Ashwin is the only one to match Shami’s tight bowling, thanks to his match-winning performance at the WACA. A knee injury kept Shami out of the playing XI against UAE but it will be interesting to see whether he will be part of the team in the remaining group matches.
1) Shikhar Dhawan
Despite falling short against UAE at the WACA on Saturday, Dhawan has clearly stamped his authority at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma. A lack of runs overseas had always a stumbling block for the opener but his quick 76-ball 73 against Pakistan and that mind-blowing century in front of a packed MCG against South Africa, was more than enough to silence all critics. On each occasion, Dhawan and Virat Kohli added 129 and 126 runs for the second wicket, highlighting their partnership and understanding in the crucial opening overs. In three matches, Dhawan has averaged 74.66 at a strike rate of 93.72, including 26 fours, the second highest after Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 28. Dhawan’s 137 is the highest individual score against South Africa in a World Cup, beating 134 not out by Stephen Fleming in 2003.
