What would they do without M S Dhoni? The wicketkeeper-batsman virtually selected himself for the 15-member squad for the World Cup. The former captain most probably is playing in his last World Cup, but without his experience and skills Virat Kohli would have lacked the crucial on-field guidance which can make a vital difference between a good and a bad captain. Kohli is easily the best batsman in the world currently, but the same can’t be said of his leadership skills.
For the rest, we think it was the right decision to leave the inexperienced and somewhat erratic Rishab Pant out, and opt for the steady performer, Dinesh Karthik, as the second wicketkeeper-batsman. Pant has a bright future, and in time he will mature into an ace performer.
The real surprise is the selection of Vijay Shankar as a middle-order batsman in preference to Ambati Rayadu who is more experienced and has a better batting average. Maybe regional considerations came into play in the selection for the number four slot. On the whole, it is a team which is yet to prove itself. Aside from Kohli and Dhoni, who command respect, others will have to jell together as a cohesive unit, contributing individually and as a team to regain the past cricketing glory.