India’s batting has always been its strength throughout its cricketing years. The major hope of defending the World Cup is rested on the formidable batting line up to put lots of runs on the board. The team might be a bit mysterious since majority of them are youngsters and many legends of 2011 World Cup won’t be playing.
Here’s an analysis of the selected Indian batsmen’s recent form:
ROHIT SHARMA
On November 13 last year, everyone knew that he will be there in the World Cup after his inconceivable 264 runs against West Indies. However, the question rises if he can replicate at least half of what he has done there. One cannot anticipate his batting prowess but he is definitely a key player in the tournament based on the fact that he has played 126 ODI matches and just 9 test matches in his career.
ODI Performance in Australia/New Zealand
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 22 | 79 | 71 | 502 |
Overall career in ODIs
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 126 | 264 | 81.01 | 3752 |
SHIKHAR DHAWAN
It certainly was a difficult decision for the selectors to go with Shikhar Dhawan rather than the in-form Murali Vijay. Dhawan struggled to find form in Australian test series where he was eventually replaced by Lokesh Rahul. Regardless of that, you need a person like him upfront in an ODI match to lay the correct foundation for an innings. Ever since his return from the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, he has been tagged along with Rohit Sharma in the opening and the partnership has worked out well. He may be familiar with the New Zealand pitches but this will be his maiden experience with the Australian ones.
ODI Performance in New Zealand
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 4 | 32 | 66.94 | 81 |
Overall career in ODIs
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 49 | 119 | 45.46 | 2,046 |
VIRAT KOHLI
Down the line-up you need an aggressive player like Virat Kohli. Though India lost the test series with Australia, Kohli can return with his head held high after his sensational four centuries in the series. Though various sections of media emulate him as Sachin’s or Ricky Ponting’s heir, he is a class of his own. Virat Kohli is arguably the best batsman selection one could make with the present form and past records. He is the only player among the 15-man squad to have scored a century in Australia/New Zealand.
ODI performance in Australia/New Zealand
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 13 | 133 | 92.78 | 664 |
Overall career in ODIs
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 146 | 183 | 90.5 | 6208 |
AJINKYA RAHANE
Rahane’s form back in the England tour testifies his selection in the squad. When Rohit Sharma was injured, it was Ajinkya Rahane who rose to the occasion and scored two centuries. He would definitely compliment a fierce opening batsman and would put up a good challenge to Rohit Sharma for the opening spot. Nevertheless, fears surround his performance in the 5 matches played against New Zealand in 2014 where he tallied only 51 runs with a 58.68 strike rate.
ODI Performance in New Zealand
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 5 | 36 | 58.62 | 51 |
Overall career in ODIs
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 42 | 111 | 77.65 | 1230 |
MAHENDRA SINGH DHONI
He may have shockingly retired from tests, but the fact he didn’t utter a word about ODI’s sends a different message. The most experienced player in the squad, undoubtedly an expert in this format. Dhoni’s illustrious success as a captain, wicketkeeper and a match-saving batsman makes him a much needed player in the team. There has always been a concern over his consistency in batting, but that’s what makes it wonderful to watch his cool and unpredictable play.
ODI performance in Australia/New Zealand
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 27 | 88 | 80.38 | 1008 |
Overall performance in ODIs
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 250 | 183 | 89.28 | 8,192 |
SURESH RAINA
Raina might want to forget his recent dreadful performance in Sydney. Nevertheless, he is certainly the most relevant player in the ODI format. Raina and skipper Dhoni can create an essential partnership in the middle order to chase/create the needed runs on the board. The Chennai Super Kings star is also a fantastic fielder that the squad needs. His recent form in ODI does remain relevant for the World Cup, with his 71 and 62-run knock against West Indies. What’s more relevant is his 103.16 strike rate in the Australian/New Zealand pitches.
ODI performance in Australia/New Zealand
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 16 | 66 | 103.16 | 391 |
Overall performance in ODI’s
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 203 | 116 | 93.22 | 5051 |
AMBATI RAYUDU
Despite, a lot of critics questioning his selection to the World Cup squad. If we analyse his recent form, we can find that he is quite an exceptional batsman especially in ODIs. Recently, he scored his maiden century against Sri Lanka in November 2014. Also he would be an emergency wicketkeeper for MS Dhoni. Still, his batting will be tested in the Australian pitches.
ODI performance in New Zealand
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 2 | 37 | 58.16 | 57 |
Overall performance in ODI’s
| Matches | Highest Runs | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
| 49 | 119 | 90.85 | 2046 |
Other honourable mentions that will contribute to the batting department are the all-rounders, where the selectors were quite keen on. Players like Ravindra Jadeja, Stuart Binny, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel who are mainly meant for bowling can also contribute the important bits and pieces to the score board.