Top Debutants At The 2015 ICC World Cup
Will this World Cup be dominated by the tried and tested match winners or will it be one where the debutants will make a big impact? A number of very exciting players will be playing their first edition of world cricket's marquee event.
- NDTV
- Updated: February 02, 2015 01:06 PM IST
ROHIT SHARMA
Considering Rohit Sharma has smashed two of the 4 double centuries ever scored in ODI cricket, it's incredible to think that the batsman, who made his ODI debut in 2007, hasn't played a World Cup yet. His exclusion in 2011 was a big surprise and the 27 year old will be hoping he can make the most of his first World Cup opportunity. Though he picked up a hamstring injury in India's first match of the tri-series Down Under, he did smash 138 in that encounter against the Aussies.
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DAVID WARNER
Think David Warner and you will think of an explosive opening batsman. The southpaw is hands down one of the most explosive batsmen in world cricket, with a strike rate of 83. But now, he is much more of an all-round batsman, having honed his Test skills extremely well. Though he made his ODI debut in 2009, he wasn't picked for the 2011 edition of the World Cup. He was the third highest run-getter in the tri-series Down Under, with 1 century and an average of over 54. The 28 year old, nicknamed the pocket dynamo, will be itching to make his World Cup debut memorable in home conditions.
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AARON FINCH
Warner's opening partner Aaron Finch is another debutant who can make a big impact in this World Cup. The 28 year old only made his ODI debut 2 years ago, but has already scored 5 centuries. Finch, who holds the world record for the highest T20 international score of 156 is an attacking batsman who Australia will be looking at to give them a flying start.
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JUNAID KHAN
If Pakistani fast bowler Junaid Khan is fit to play, he could have a great World Cup debut. The 25 year old picked up a thigh injury that kept him out of the ODI series vs New Zealand, but if he plays in the World Cup he will be one of Pakistan's biggest assets. The 25 year old left arm pacer, who was called in as a late replacement for Sohail Tanvir in the 2011 World Cup but never played, is a genuinely fast bowler, who can move the ball around as well.
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QUINTON DE KOCK
South Africa's Quinton de Kock can be a match winner on his day. The 22 year old wicket-keeper batsman has cemented his place in the Protea limited overs sides very quickly. De Kock, who comes from the same grade school as former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, is known for his aggressive mindset with the bat and his ability to play shots all-round the wicket. In the 2 years he has been playing ODI cricket, the 22 year old has smashed 6 centuries.