India-Pakistan combined XI

How ‘Valentine' it is when a cricket fan gets to know that India and Pakistan will lock horns with each other in the World Cup a day after Valentine’s day? Despite India having dominated in their previous meetings in the big tournament, Pakistan can be confident of turning the tables this year.India has retained only 4 players from their 2011 WC winning squad while Pakistan, whose bowling line up is said to one of the best in the world, has an in-experienced bowling line up when compared to their past line ups for the World Cup. Nevertheless, a large question mark blooms over India’s bowling line up too.It is evident that the teams’ hopes revolve around a few players and just imagine if these players play for a single team!So here is the combined XI of these subcontinent rivals:

#1 Rohit Sharma

‘Hit man’, as he is popularly called by his fans has now become one of India’s most reliable openers. Featuring in his first World Cup, the fact that ICC has selected him in the Top 10 Debutants for WC 2015 is more than enough to prove his capabilities. The only player with two double centuries in ODIs has been consistent and stable in the top order over the past two years.

His sublime knocks against Australia and Afghanistan in the Australian soil gives us the hint that he is someone to be watched out for.

#2 Ajinkya Rahane

A top-order player who is capable of hitting the big shots as well as anchoring the innings when the team is tumbling, Rahane can be called as Mr. Dependable as far as the Indian batting line up is concerned. Inspite of India’s failure in the recent tour Down Under, this young lad had a good time with the bat, scoring 399 runs in the Test series and 146 runs in the tri series, followed by two consecutive half centuries in the warm-up matches against the Aussies and the Afghans.

#3 Virat Kohli

When others calculate the period between 2011 WC and 2015 WC as four years, Virat Kohli might calculate it as 16 ODI centuries. That’s how remarkable he has been in the shorter format of the game. Having glued his position at one down, Kohli is one batsmen who is expected to give a tough fight in the race for the golden bat in this World Cup. Though he has not been in fine touch in the recent ODIs, he is one player who can decide the fate of a team.

#4 Misbah-Ul-Haq

The 40-year-old Pakistani Captain has a batting average which exceeds his age by 2, thus showing how consistent he has been over the years. A composed player, who can play the big shots when required, he can serve as the spine of a team. His experience and knowledge about the game adds to his value. Known for adapting to any type of conditions, Misbah is someone who can never be missed in the middle order of this combined Indo-Pak team.

#5 Suresh Raina

A ‘match turner’ with the bat in the shorter formats of the game, Suresh Raina can also roll his wrists, providing much needed break-throughs. His crucial cameos can also change the course of the match. When it comes to fielding, Raina is one of the names that shines out in this young Indian side. Despite having a fluctuating run in the recent ODIs, ‘Sanu’, with a strike rate of over 90 is a dangerous one-day prospect and can provide solidity lower down the order.

#6 Mahendra Singh Dhoni

How can ‘Captain cool’ be missed out of an ODI team? One of the hardest hitters of the ball, MS Dhoni is one batsman who can sow the seeds of fear in every bowler’s mind. With an average of over 50 in ODIs and more than 50 fifties under his name, the new father is one player who knows to take control of a situation under pressure and finish off a game in a blistering fashion. He also captains this side.

#7 Shahid Afridi

When he is at the crease, it is the time for fireworks and when he has the ball in his hands, it is the time for wickets to tumble. The aggressive right hander has a jaw dropping strike rate of 116 in ODIs, showing how he can turn out to be a night-mare for the opposition. The leg spinner has 393 wickets under his belt, making him one of the finest all-rounders of the game. Having scored some decent knocks in the recent past, he can be the ‘deciding factor’ for Pakistan.

#8 Ravindra Jadeja

One of India’s leading all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja is known for his all rounder skills. With an economy of 4.81 he can trouble the batsmen not only with his deliveries but also with his ‘velcro arms’ in the field. ‘Jaddu’ who has now become a full time bowler has the ability to maximise the variation available in the pitch. His explosive batting and athleticism in the field completes the package, making him a player to look out for in his debut World Cup.

#9 Wahab Riaz

Many won’t forget his brilliant five wicket haul against arch rivals India in the WC 2011 semi-final. His quick left arm action has shattered many stumps but the only thing holding him back is that he lacks consistency. His pace has the ability to trouble the best and being the most experienced pacer in the Pakistani WC squad, he is expected to spearhead the bowling attack. Though economy remains a concern, Riaz can rattle the oppositon and turn the course of the match.

#10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The upcoming talent is one of the bowlers today who can swing the ball effectively in both ways. With an economy of 4.61 he has been a headache for batsmen and shall continue to grill them in the big stage too. Apart from being India’s leading pacer in this World Cup, he can also swing the bat and add some valuable runs to the scorecard, thus extending the batting line up till the tail. The fact that India were fretting over his fitness ahead of the World Cup shows how important he is to them.

#11 Mohammad Irfan

Not only is he known for his 7 feet 1 inch height, but also for his economic bowling and pace with his yorkers landing right on target. His recent performances in ODIs and the warm-up matches have elevated the hopes on him. Blessed with incredible talent, he has achieved a lot in a short span of time and will hope to continue his good run in his debut World cup and seal the matches for his team. The lanky pacer’s bowling is as imposing as his frame.