ICC World Cup 2011 - SWOT Analysis : INDIA

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Here at Wah! Cricket we predicted the selection of Indian squad for the upcoming cricket fiesta. And this is how the team selection as announced by the selection committee of the B.C.C.I.
The team: MS Dhoni ©(Captain), V Sehwag (Vice-captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, R Ashwin, Piyush Chawla. 

Instantly, when we compare it is clear that we expected 2 spinners and a back-up wicket keeper. Which is clearly not the thinking of the national team selectors . They've gone for 3 spinners and 4 seamers and beefed up the batting line-up undoubtedly. Noticable absentees include Pragyan Ojha and Rohit Sharma. The latter was not really a contender considering India has rarely played all the seniors in ODIs in the last 12-15 months. Pragyan Ojha probably the most unlucky member, considering 3 spinners were picked and Piyush Chawla and R.Ashwin got the nod ahead of him.


Strengths:

• The selectors have gone all out and picked a healthy combo of youth and experience.
• The depth in batting should make it one of the title contenders quite easily.
• Home conditions should suit the Indian team.

Weakness:

• The team has a lot of consistency issues be it with the bat or ball.
• Absence of back-up for MSD might go on to hurt the team combination.
• Since the team was giving chances to many young players throughout 2010 the team composition and batting order will be a head-ache for the management.

Opportunities:

• Virat Kohli had a dream 2010 season but, he played at no.3 which is most likely going to be given to a senior member in the team. Expect Kohli to make the playing XI anyways. He has the numbers, the game, you name it.
• R.Ashwin, Piyush Chawla will play key roles acting deputy to Harbhajan in the spin department. Sub-continent conditions means both spinners featuring in their first world cup will have a major role to play.

Threats:

• The fitness concerns in the Indian camp don't seem to end.Everybody from the great man SRT to the Viru-Gauti jodi, ace spearhead Zak even likes of Praveen Kumar is carrying a niggle or out of action due to injury. A big name down on the eve of the match can hurt India's chances severly.
• MSD will have some major choice making to do. Whether to play 2 seamers + 2 spinners or play 3 seamers + 1 spinner and rely on his part timers.
• Yuvi will have his neck on the line with Kohli's consistent show in 2010. Between Yusuf and Yuvi or even a 5th bowler the team management has to make a tough call.

Despite all the set backs, the 2011 World Cup being hosted in the sub-continent is a time for festive celebrations. A certain Mr. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar will be playing his 6th World Cup and still in search of the one missing memorabilia from his cupboard. After a short and not so sweet 2007 campaign in the West Indies for India the home conditions will be added pressure or a bonus feature only time will tell. 


Wah! Cricket wishes MS Dhoni and his league of extra-ordinary gentlement "ALL THE BEST" for WC'11.