Defending champion India will start their campaign as tournament favorites. They pose a well balanced look with many match winners in their ranks. All the 15 members of the squad are well tuned to the games shortest format as they all took part in Indian Premier League (IPL) in South Africa. On contrary, the challenge will be overcome the mental tiredness to put up a champion show.

Watch Out For:

Rohit Sharma: The Mumbai boy has pushed up his stake by consistent and match winning performances in the IPL. He took up the responsibility of being Adam Gilchrist’s deputy for his IPL franchise Deccan Chargers seriously and has successfully backed himself to deliver the goods. He now has launched himself as one of the best finishers and appears more than handy with the ball.

Suresh Raina: Raina has slowly but surely managed to conquer the minds of the bowlers with his powerful strokeplay. Since his return to the Indian team he has managed to gain the trust of his captain as a dependable batsman and has been rightly rewarded with the responsibility of batting at number three. He is a livewire in the field and has brought a third dimension to his game – the bowling.

X-factor: Even an out-of-form Virender Sehwag is a nightmare for any bowler and he can take the game away from the opposition in no time. As he says he is just one knock away from being in form and his IPL show is no concern.

Dark Horse: Ishant Sharma was out-of-form during the IPL but his ability to comeback stronger makes one not to rule him out. The seaming conditions will help him and has effective slow balls under his belt.

Team:

Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Harbajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja

Coach: Gary Kirsten