As we gear up for the opening match between India and Bangladesh on Saturday, followed by New Zealand vs. Kenya and Sri Lanka vs. Canada on Sunday, who are the players most likely to offer those virtuoso performances that can turn a game, or even a tournament?
Personally, I’ll always remember Sanath Jayasuriya’s heroics, which played such a big part in Sri Lanka winning the World Cup in 1996, the last time the tournament was held in the subcontinent. There was also Lance Klusener’s incredible batting for South Africa in 1999, even though he fluffed his lines at the very end of the semi-final against Australia.
Cricket is fundamentally a team sport, but there is still room for individual heroics. Here are some of the stars worth keeping an eye on at this World Cup, one from each of the 14 teams playing. Some are obvious, others less so, but all have the ability to inspire their teammates, crowds and countries.
1. Australia – Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke is not the most popular of players back in Australia, where he is unfairly criticized by the press and large swathes of the public for being too flash and fond of the limelight away from the cricket pitch. Clarke, Australia’s captain-in-waiting, is a talented player and an affable bloke who, if he bats well in the subcontinent, will give the rest of his team a massive boost, and that is a dangerous prospect for any non-Australian.
2. Bangladesh – Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal shot to fame in the 2007 World Cup with a knock of 51 against India that included smashing fast bowler Zaheer Khan down the ground for six. With the World Cup at home, the explosive Iqbal, who is also Bangladesh’s vice captain, will be the man to watch when he comes out to bat in front of his home crowd, particularly in the opening match against India, the team he upset last time.
3. Canada – John Davison
Canada’s wily veteran John Davison is still going strong at the ripe age of 40 and the big hitter will once again be central to Canada’s World Cup efforts. Canada isn’t known as a cricket nation, but Davison has single-handedly brought the sport to greater prominence with some remarkable solo performances, including a stunning century against the West Indies in the 2003 World Cup and a 23-ball 50 against New Zealand in the 2007 event.
4. England – James Anderson
It’s strange to think James Anderson has been around the England side for almost a decade now. After a fairly wobbly early few years, when his bowling was only consistent in its inconsistency, Anderson has matured into one of the world’s top bowlers and one of England’s main threats, spearheading the attack with speed and a rare talent for reverse swing. If Anderson, who is also a fantastic fielder and decent lower order batsman, hits top form in the World Cup, England have every chance of going all the way to the final in Mumbai on April 2.
5. India – Yusuf Pathan
India is co-hosting the tournament and all eyes will be on every single player, such is the interest in cricket here. But of all India’s stars, Pathan is the man to watch. He has a priceless ability to electrify games with his spectacular batting even under the greatest pressure. If his form lasts over the next two months, Pathan will become an even bigger superstar and, for me, he is more likely than anyone else to win “Man of the Tournament.”
6. Ireland – Ed Joyce
This will be Ed Joyce’s second World Cup, but last time round he played for England. The ICC has given him special dispensation to now turn out for Ireland. Although unlikely to go far in the tournament, the men in green will be aiming for at least one big upset, with Joyce leading that particular charge with his strong, left-handed batting.
7. Kenya – Steve Tikolo
Like Canada’s John Davison, Steve Tikolo is an experienced campaigner who inspires the rest of his team. Aged 39, all-rounder Tikolo has been persuaded to return to international duty for one last World Cup. He has played in every one of Kenya’s World Cup matches, scoring 65 against India on his debut in 1996, and is in decent form in the run up to this year’s edition, taking 4 for 39 in a warm-up match against the Netherlands.
8. Netherlands – Ryan ten Doeschate
Ryan ten Doeschate is the undisputed star of Dutch cricket. The South African born all-rounder has broken numerous records at the ICC Associate and Affiliate level (countries granted one-day international, but not Test cricket, status) and this year will become the first Dutch player in the Indian Premier League T-20 tournament after being snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for $150,000. Keep a close eye on him.
9. New Zealand – Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori is New Zealand ’s captain and key player. His spin bowling is central to the Black Caps’ attack and he is also a very capable batsman. The studious-looking Vettori has had to fill the big shoes left by that great captain Stephen Fleming but he has played the role well, sometimes single-handedly dragging New Zealand through matches. He’ll need more support from his players if this New Zealand team is to progress through the sharp end of this tournament.
10. Pakistan – Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi has the tricky challenge of captaining Pakistan, that most unpredictable of sides. It will be intriguing to see how he takes to the role, as Afridi is known for the carefree abandon with which he approaches the game. It is that spirit that helps rank him up there with India’s Yusuf Pathan as one of the most exciting batsmen in the world, but he will have to balance that with the responsibility of captaining a side that has been rocked by scandal and stripped of the rights to co-host the World Cup this year.
11. South Africa – Hashim Amla
Hassan Amla, currently the top one-day batsman in the world, showed rich form against India during their recent tour of South Africa and he has the talent to transport that to the subcontinent for the World Cup. South Africa are one of the favorites to win the tournament this year, and with Amla, whose family hails from Gujarat, batting at his brilliant best at the top of the order, they are in with a very good chance of victory.
12. Sri Lanka – Muttiah Muralitharan
This will be the one-and-only Murali’s last World Cup, and the Kandy-born man will be gunning at a final shot at glory after experiencing Sri Lanka’s triumph in 1996. Muralitharan is one of the greatest spinners the world has ever seen and he is sure to trouble batsmen on the pitches of the subcontinent. He has carried Sri Lanka on many occasions and will be desperate to be the hero yet again this World Cup, particularly as Sri Lanka will be playing much of the tournament at home.
13. West Indies – Chris Gayle
Effortlessly cool, Chris Gayle has been one of the few bright spots in West Indian cricket in recent years. After the disappointment of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, Gayle will be looking to terrify opponents with his imposing left-handed batting, which is in stark contrast to his languid bowling style. Gayle has a point to prove in India, where he has an excellent batting record, after failing to attract a bid at this year’s IPL auction.
14. Zimbabwe – Brendan Taylor
Brendan Taylor has shown good form in the World Cup warm-up matches, notching up half centuries against the Netherlands and Ireland as he recovers from a dip in runs. Zimbabwe are unlikely to progress far into the tournament, but like the other minnows they will be looking for at least one major scalp, and Taylor, who is the country’s most prolific run scorer, will be integral to their efforts.
The World Cup provides the opportunity for individuals to excel on the global stage and to capture the imaginations of millions. It takes a special person—and a generous portion of luck—to rise to the occasion but there is always someone who does. I can’t wait to see who it is this year.
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