5 players who will stand between India and victory on Sunday

9 years ago

Source: IANS

Team India have made a stunning start to their 2015 World Cup campaign by beating arch-rivals Pakistan by 76 runs in the opening game. But their second game of the tournament poses a much tougher and trickier challenge. They face the no. 3 ODI team in the world on Sunday at the MCG and one thing is clear. It won’t be a walk in the park.

Dale Steyn has already recovered from his flu ahead of the big game, so there’s no respite for India on that front. But the pacer is certainly not the only hurdle the Men in Blue will face on February 22.

As we all know from this amusing new ad, India have never been able to beat the Proteas at the World Cup. If they’re to break that jinx on Sunday, they need to figure out a way to tackle these five top players.

1. AB de Villiers

How do you bowl to this man? There is pretty much nothing anyone can do when AB is in the mood for a blinder. Perhaps the great Sir Jadeja can solve this puzzle.

2. Dale Steyn

India have faced him countless times and more often than not, Steyn has managed to come out on top, home as well as away. Give him a hint of outswing, and he will butcher you. Kohli and co will have to do more than just talking to eliminate the tremendous threat he poses. Shikhar Dhawan may have to revisit the videos of some of his net sessions against the pacer in Hyderabad’s nets.

Also read: Red hot contests to look forward to at the 2015 World Cup

3 . Faf du Plessis

He’s caused us much pain in the past alongside AB. He is like an annoying humming sound in your ear or a sticky piece of gum in your hair that’s just impossible to get rid of. If only India had a few players who’ve played some cricket alongside him elsewhere! Oh wait, which IPL team does he play for?

4. Hashim Amla

Amla can be tricky, because he often leads you to believe that he is going at a slow pace. That is, before you look at the scoreboard and realise that it’s just an illusion.

5. Morne Morkel

Surviving a Dale Steyn over unscathed should give you some relief in normal circumstances. But what do you do when a 6 ft 4 in monster is waiting for you at the other end? And especially when his height is the least of your problems! Morne’s got genuine pace, swing and a deadly yorker. Basically, everything a batsman doesn’t wish to see in a bowler.