(Appeared in Playing11.com)
One-day cricket is a batsman’s game they say. The poor bowler therefore doesn’t have any chance of avoiding being massacred. And add to the mix: the placid tracks of the Indian sub-continent, which have been the death-bed of many a talented bowler, and it truly feels like a one-sided affair.
But there are some batsmen who can slaughter any bowling attack, irrespective of the pitch they are playing on. Here are ten of the very best who will look to bring the opposition to their knees.
Sachin Tendulkar: How can any list of dangerous batsmen start with the world’s best batsman. Tendulkar is playing in his sixth World Cup and would look to end his run by winning the trophy for India. There are very few things more dangerous than a determined Tendulkar.
Kevin Pietersen: He of the ‘Switch Hit’ fame, the Englishman would have to at his best to help the Poms claim their first World Cup title. But having been moved up the order to open with captain Andrew Strauss could prove to be a handicap. Or it could be the most inspired shift, like Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharna opening for Sri Lanka. If the gamble pays off then watch out for pyrotechnics from Pietersen’s bat.
Chris Gayle: Will Gayle force sweep this World Cup? Cricket fans would be hoping for that the southpaw opener can come into his own at the World Cup and restore West Indian pride. No longer weighed down by the rigours of captaincy, the tall Jamaican, will be expected to set his World Cup record – 434 runs in 15 matches at an average of 28—straight.
Virat Kohli: All of India is hoping Kohli continues his amazing run of 2010 into the World Cup. He was the most prolific Indian batsman in ODIs in 2010 but finished the year as the second-highest run-scorer in the format behind South Africa's Hashim Amla. Kohli missed the 1000-mark for the year by five runs. Indian skipper MS Dhoni has already hinted that he has an edge over Suresh Raina in making the playing XI and he will look to justify the faith reposed in him.
Tamim Iqbal: He has made tall claims before the World Cup starts that he would be the highest run-getter in each of the matches he plays. He is one of the lynchpins of the Bangladesh team. Tamim is one of the only two Bangladesh players, along with skipper Shakib Al Hasan, can walk into almost any team, and he has to on top of his game for his team to progress to the knockout stages.
Tillakaratne Dilshan: He’s an innovator who can also play a sheet-anchor role. Having invented the ‘Dilscoop’, this aggressive opener will have home support to cheer him in his efforts. Dilshan has grown in stature in the last couple of years and is currently regarded as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world.
Hashim Amla: Here’s an example of how being technically proficient is not a drawback in the one-day format. Amla has been in brilliant form lately, having been the highest run-scorer in ODIs in 2010. This opener is the perfect foil for his aggressive opening partner Graeme Smith. The opposition focuses on Smith, while Amla quietly keeps the scoreboard ticking.
Misbah-ul-Haq: Pakistan's vice-captain is the fulcrum of this unpredictable team. It has been his responsibility of-late to hold the innings together. He would be looking to continue his good form from the recent tour of New Zealand.
Ross Taylor: New Zealand's vice-captain is an immensely talented batsman, but has never truly fulfilled his potential. He will look to silence his critics by batting out of his skin and helping the Kiwis overcome their bad run in ODIs.
Michael Clarke: He may have been at the receiving end of fan and media disapproval recently, but the Australian vice-captain has silenced them with half-centuries in the last two ODIs against England. His form in the warm-ups is also heartening and his expertise in handling spin will stand him in good stead on sub-continent pitches.
Of course, there are many exceptional batsmen I haven't put in this list who could on their day reverse all predictions and win the match against all-odds for their team. Some of these players include West Indies' Darren Bravo, England's Jonathan Trott, Australian Cameron White, Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara and Proteas captain Graeme Smith.
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