If choosing 30 probables for the World Cup 2015 wasn't difficult, pruning that list to 15 would definitely be a challenge for the national selectors, who meet January 7 to finalise the squad, either.
By dropping five non-performing senior players — Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Gautam Gambhir — from the probables' list, the selectors showed that when it comes to defending the title it's performance that matters, not reputation. And they chose to place their trust in the new generation. Only four members — Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Ravichandran Ashwin — of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad were retained.
And it wasn't surprising. Those who have followed Indian cricket closely over the past year or so, know that the five superstars of the previous World Cup haven't done anything of note to warrant a berth. Barring a couple of knocks in the IPl, the bespectacled Sehwag has looked like a shadow of his past self. Yuvraj hasn't been able to come out of freeze since recovering from cancer.
Harbhajan has lost all the guile in his bowling. Gambhir's blew up his chances in England. And the ageing Zaheer's recurring injuries has been keeping him out of action since May.
While they struggled for form, the younger Indian team settled itself into a successful ODI unit winning several important series both at home and abroad. And going by Dhoni's habit of not tempering with the winning squad, it is easy to say that at least 12 out of 15 are automatic choices for the responsibility to defend title in February and March next year. The fight will be for the last four spots.
Here is a look at who would possibly make the cut for the World Cup next year, and why
Shikhar Dhawan
Barring last-minute injury, his place is confirmed not just in the squad but at the top of the batting order. With Sehwag and Gambhir falling off the radar and no other contender for the opening slot in sight, Shikhar is the best choice for the opener's role. Despite his inconsistency in Test cricket, the Delhi lad has been impressive in ODIs. In 49 matches so far, he averages above 45 with six centuries and 11 fifties.
Ajinkya Rahane
What Rahul Dravid was to Saurav Ganguly, Rahane is to Dhoni. Well, not literally. And this is not an attempt to compare two players but to highlight Rahane's utility as a batsman who can bat at any position and still be successful. like Dravid batted at various positions whenever the team needed, Rahane has also given Dhoni an option to shuffle his batting order. But the most productive position for him so far has been opening the innings with Shikhar. Both of his ODI centuries have come as an opener. And more importantly, Rahane is a more compact batsman against the new ball than Rohit Sharma, especially in foreign conditions.
Rohit Sharma
With two ODI doubles centuries to his name, it is nearly impossible to keep Rohit out of the World Cup squad. More than his selection in the final 15, Rohit's batting position will be a bigger topic of discussion. According to experts, Rohit should bat in the middle-order and let Rahane open the innings with Shikhar.
Virat Kohli
Currently one of the world's best batsmen, Virat is India's main stay in the batting department. India's strategy to defend World Cup title is going to be built around him.
Suresh Raina
He played a side role in India's 2011 World Cup success story. But come 2015, Raina would be entrusted the job to fill the boots of Yuvraj Singh with both bat and bowl. He is believed to be Dhoni's go-to man whenever the going gets tough. The southpaw from Uttar Pradesh will be expected to anchor India's innings in tougher times and consolidate in better times. With the ability to accelerate the run-rate at will, Raina will be a key player in the World Cup.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
The leader, the guide, the pressure-soaking machine, the chief planner Dhoni is the undisputed authority in the team. He is called a genius limited over captain whose instinctive decision-making ability has helped India won two World Cups. Besides, Dhoni is master finisher of the game. His array of unorthodox shots makes it difficult for the bowlers to plan against him.
Ravindra Jadeja
Rise of another left-arm spin all-rounder Axar Patel has raised doubts over Jadeja's spot in the final 15. But the Saurashtra player is a proven performer in limited overs cricket with 1,691 runs and 134 wickets. His experience and captain's trust should win him the berth.
Ravichandran Ashwin
In the 30 probables, Ashwin has no competition. He should just walk into the World Cup squad. As far as his role in the quadrennial event in Australia and New Zealand is concerned, he will be the lead spinner for India. On pace-friendly pitches, his job will be to stem the flow of runs and keep up the over-rate. And, he is a smart operator. He is good in fulfilling the ole assigned to him.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Over the last couple of years, Bhuvneshwar has emerged as India's leading pacer. His consistent line and length control over swing (both in and out) and ability to think on the toes make him India's best pace exponent at the moment.
Mohammed Shami
He is like Shikhar Dhawan who enjoys white ball more than the red cherry. His accuracy, speed and ability to be effective with both old and new ball has brought him good success over the last two years of international cricket.
Umesh Yadav/Varun Aaron
There will be good competition between these two fastest Indian bowlers for the spot in the final 15. There are chances that both of them get drafted into the side considering that the pitches in Australia and New Zealand are helpful for fast bowling.
Ishant Sharma
Most experienced of all the Indian bowlers, Ishant is expected to shoulder the responsibility of playing the leader of the pack.
Of the remaining three places, one will go to the second wicketkeeper. For this slot, Wriddhiman Saha is a frontrunner but Robin Uthappa can also be a picked as he can keep wickets. Uthappa returned to the Indian fold after a very successful IPl season this year and the Karnataka player's batting superiority gives him an upper-hand over Saha.
Another spot that will see stiff competition would be of a middle-order batsman for which Ambati Rayudu, though favourite to be picked, competes with Manoj Tiwary and Manish Pandey — both of whom played prolifically in the recent limited overs Vijay Hazare Trophy.
In the last five innings for Bengal and East Zone, Tiwary has scored two centuries and three half-centuries. On the other hand, Pandey also scored heavily throughout the tournament apart from his century (135 not out) against Sri lanka A. But Rayudu, who has been a regular in the Indian ODI team over the past few months and scored his maiden century against Sri lanka while batting at No. 3, is more likely to be picked.
For the last spot, there will be a fight between Axar Patel, Karn Sharma, Amit Mishra and Varun Aaron/Umesh Yadav. It remains to be seen whether selectors go for the fifth pacer or add another spin option in the squad.
Another possibility is that they might not pick the second wicketkeeper and send one more spinner and a pacer to strengthen India's bowling.