The World Cup that was(n't to be)

Five consecutive fifties, zero centuries. A large part of that was due to Rohit’s form, with Kohli having to change his role coming later than usual. Failed to stand up in the big match, though. Was tactically sound as captain throughout the tournament, except for a few selection calls and batting order decisions.

Dhawan owns ICC tournaments, and he looked set for another one by buying himself a stylish 117 against Australia in India’s second game. Sadly for him and India, a smack on his thumb by a Pat Cummins delivery during that innings ended his World Cup abruptly. India missed him against the Kiwis.    

Played as a floater in the first couple of matches, after which he was asked to open due to Dhawan’s absence. Got a couple of fifties and starts, but his issue of not converting them persisted. Finally struck a ton against Sri Lanka, yet looked out of sorts against the Kiwis in the next game. Yet to be a match-winner.   

Not part of the initial squad, he got a call up after Vijay Shankar’s injury. Two ways to look at his performance: fluffed a golden chance to make the world stage his own and turn potential into power-packed match-winning knocks or, at 21, showed enough promise to do that in future World Cups. Let’s go with the latter.

It was a weird World Cup for him. Selectors earmarked him as India’s No. 4, team management thought otherwise. Got into the playing XI after Dhawan’s injury, himself got injured on the toe later. Got a wicket off his first World Cup delivery, but it’ll be surprising if he remains in India’s long-term plans.

Plenty was expected from the man in red-hot, helicopter-hitting form in the IPL. Save a few 40s, didn’t do anything more substantial with the bat. Failed to take India past the line in the two games where he was really needed (vs England and NZ). Was steady as a fifth bowler, and more impactful than with the bat. 

Wasn’t required much with the bat until he scored a valuable 52 against Afghanistan. But his lack of intent at getting close to the target against England did him in, with the management deciding to bench him from thereon, more so with him not being needed with the ball. Hard to see him play for India again. 

The man continues to divide opinions, and it hit fever pitch in England. Did he leave it too late? Did he miscalculate? Could he have accelerated early? Was he holding one end up? Most of those were legitimate questions, especially with his knocks against England and NZ. But the big one is yet to be answered: is he done? 

Came into the playing XI only after the couple of injuries. Scored eight walking in at No. 7 against Bangladesh, wasn't needed with the bat against Sri Lanka, crawled to a 25-ball six against the Kiwis at No. 5. Impact was as minimal as his opportunities. Should never have been promoted against the Kiwis.

Five centuries in a single World Cup, a place no cricket player in history has ever gone before. Enough said. Rohit's hundred-spinning form ensured India were never in a spot of bother early in their innings, save the semifinal. Nine games, 648 runs, 205 more than India's next best Virat Kohli, Rohit simply stole the show.

Bits and pieces, did you say? Let's show you something: two wickets, umpteen runs saved, acrobatic catches taken, brilliant run-out affected, 77 golden runs scored. All in two games. India sought a hero in the semifinal, they found an unlikely one in Jadeja, albeit in a losing cause. He'd expect to play regularly now.

Came into the World Cup at the back of a horrid IPL, but found his confidence again against Pakistan. That was torn into pieces and thrown all over the park by the English batsmen, and that's when India realised playing two wrist-spinners could backfire. The chinaman had to bite the dust after the league stage.

Had a fabulous World Cup debut with a four-for against South Africa. Kept picking up a wicket or two here and there thereafter, except against the hosts who hammered him more than Kuldeep. His 1/63 against the Kiwis on a pitch that offered more was a bit of a let-down.

The standout performer for India in this World Cup, more than Rohit. His first outing on cricket's biggest stage but Bumrah played his part like a veteran actor. Wickets with the new ball, semi-new ball, at the death to go with control and accuracy during all those phases. Whenever Kohli wanted a wicket, Bumrah gift-wrapped and gave him one.

Lit the Cup on fire after getting a chance due to Bhuvneshwar's injury, picking up a hat-trick against Afghanistan in a four-wicket haul. Took another four and five against West Indies and England, respectively, with his fitness and pace at its peak. But once Bhuvi was fit and back, he had to make way. A bit surprisingly at that.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was everything one expected Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be: under the radar, steady, not too threatening, not too straightforward to face. A hamstring niggle midway didn't help his cause, and he didn't quite come back with the same swing in his stride. Picked up three wickets in the semifinal, but all at the death.

Unlike his nature, worked mostly behind the scenes throughout his time in England. Should be given credit for keeping the bench on its toes, leading to the likes of Shami and Jadeja delivering almost instantly in the latter half of the tournament. But, should be held partly responsible for failing to address the middle-order woes that were in the open much before the World Cup. Batting order calls during the semifinal left a lot to be desired too.