Five players to watch out for at the World Cup

The World Cup has conventionally been a place where up and coming cricketers get to showcase their skills. Perform at the World Cup and in all likelihood, one tends to cement their place in the squad on a permanent basis. Pakistan’s Javed Miandad made his World Cup debut at the tender age of 17. Sachin Tendulkar got introduced to this marquee tournament at 18. We all know what happened after that. The list could go on and on. 

Fourteen teams will vie for cricket’s top prize from next month. We take a look at some of the up and coming talent who could make a serious impact on the competition. 

Axar Patel- The 21 year old from Gujarat has been included as the third specialist spinner for the World Cup. He was named the “Emerging Player” of last year’s IPL (Indian Premier League). Having played just nine matches for the Indian senior team, Dhoni can rely on this crafty spinner, if he ever needs a surprise element in his starting eleven.  He has picked up fourteen wickets in those nine matches at an extraordinary strike rate of 27. Axar can also operate as a handy batsman. 

Adam Milne- There aren’t many bowlers in the world today who can regularly clock bowling speeds of 150km/hr and above.  One of them happens to be 22 year old Adam Milne a.k.a Sharky from New Zealand.  His fastest fireball was against West Indies recently in a T20 match, where he clocked a monstrous 153.3 kmh.  Generally quick bowlers are notorious for their inconsistent line and length. But Milne seems to have a controlled bowling action ensuring he doesn’t waiver too much off the good length area.  Having played only 12 matches for the black caps so far, the World Cup will be a feather on the speedsters’ hat. 

Jason Holder- At 23 years of age, not many expected the 6 ft 7 inches pacer to lead the West Indian team at this World Cup. With Dwayne Bravo not included in the squad, the selection committee have placed their trust on Holder to bring back the World Cup to the Caribbean islands after thirty five long years.  We initially got to see some his talent, when he plied his trade at Chennai Superkings under Indian captain Dhoni.  Holder has an economy rate of 5.21 in ODI’s – a respectable figure for such a young player. It’s too soon to say if his impact will be felt more as a bowler or as a captain. 

Usman Ghani- This right handed opening batsman will be the youngest player to play at this World Cup.  At 18 years of age, Ghani made his international debut only recently against Hong Kong in 2014. He managed to score seventy runs in that match and even picked up a wicket.  He holds the record for the joint highest score by an Afghanistan batsman, when he scored an impressive 118 against Zimbabwe. Usman Ghani’s batting style reminds us of our very own Virender Sehwag.  He’s the kind of batsman who bats the same way when he is at zero or ninety-nine.  Look out for this highly entertaining batsman. 

Ahmed Shehzad – Although he’s only 23 years old, this Pakistani opener made his debut way back in 2009 at the age of 18. Astoundingly, he made his first class debut when he was just 15 years old.  Ahmed comes across as an aggressive batsman who is a sweet timer of the ball. He has been in top form recently having scored a swaggering 100 against New Zealand in their just concluded series.  Not one to lower expectations, this stylish opener has exclaimed that his team have every chance of winning the marquee tournament this time around.  The last time the world cup was played in Australia back in 1992, Pakistan won it. Ahmed will be looking to better his average of 34.82 come this February. 

(The views expressed by the author are personal)