The ultimate game changers

Virat Kohli. AB de Villiers. Chris Gayle. They can alter the course of a match in the blink of an eye. Pragya Tiwari takes us closer to the space of those enforcers.

There is never a dearth of talent in world cricket. But only some possess the conviction and flair to change the complexion of a game. The big stage brings the best in them and an insatiable craving to be better than their peers prods them to rise to the toughest of challenges. For defending champions India, Virat Kohli stands out as that man. Angry and bullish but one who thrives under pressure situations, Kohli is a treat to watch when counter-attacking with his willow.

The nerveless 26-year-old has emerged as a spectacular batsman in the shorter format of the game with a big chunk of his 21 ODI centuries coming during a victorious chase. His fearless approach has earned him admirers around the world and lends strength to the Indian middle-order.

Cut out from a similar fabric of aggression is AB De Villiers of South Africa. But unlike Kohli, De Villiers, who rewrote the record books by smashing a 31-ball hundred against the West Indies last month, is a smiling assassin whose brazen shot-making and snappy footwork throws to tatters the line and length of the most disciplined bowler. He is an outstanding finisher of the game and will be crucial in South Africa realising their long pending quest for a World Cup triumph.

For co-hosts New Zealand, the rise of Kane Williamson couldn’t have been better timed. With the support of experienced Brendon McCullum, Corey Anderson and Ross Taylor, the 24-year-old has carved his own space and is in a rich vein of form which has catapulted him to No 6 in the ICC ODI rankings. Since January last, Williamson has hit 1177 runs in 17 innings comprising three centuries, nine half centuries at an average of 69.2. A superb fielder and an effective off-spinner, he could be the answer to the Black Caps’ prayer for a maiden title, more so, with the tournament taking place in their backyard.

Never out of contention, hosts Australia, too, are peaking at the right time with a battery of players putting up impressive performances to show how much regaining the trophy matters to them. They have several world–class performers in their ranks such as Mitchell Johnson, David Warner and Steven Smith in their ranks. However, Glenn Maxwell stands out as the gamechanger. With his unorthodox and inventive shot-making, he can single-handedly destroy the opposition.

A discussion about the dangerous dashers could never be complete without Chris Gayle. West Indies, already divided by a bitter infighting, are without their main players Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard and would be looking upto Gayle to shore up their cause. Unfazed and moody, he can muscle any delivery out of the biggest of the grounds. On his day, he could be a nightmare to the bowlers and Caribbean progress in World Cup will depend a lot on his form.

England may not figure in the list of favourites of many experts, but they have got enough players to carry them forward in the event. Led by the reliable James Anderson, the England bowlers can pose a serious threat to their rivals. Conditions in Australia and New Zealand would suit Anderson’s bowling, as the 32-year-old is incisive with both new and the old ball. He took seven wickets in four games during the tri-series involving India and Australia and is in good form.

Sri Lanka may be unfancied, but they have a few experienced campaigners in batting like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. But to make an impact in this World Cup, they would need Lasith Malinga’s slinging, toe-crushing yorkers to be on target. He, though, is nursing an ankle injury but Sri Lanka would need him to fire to boost their chances.

Another sub-continent team, Pakistan, can always be trusted to spring a surprise. They have the dangerous Shahid Afridi, but it is the seven-foot pacer Mohammad Irfan could be their most potent weapon. With his height he could be difficult to play on the bouncy pitches of Australia and being a left-armer, he could be doubly tricky.  In the hard-fought battles of the World Cup, these are the players who could make a difference.