SRH looks the strongest on paper

First Choice Playing XI: David Warner (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Deepak Hooda, Yusuf Pathan, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Billy Stanlake, Siddharth Kaul

Batting: David Warner is the most fortunate captain ahead of IPL 2018, having a squad filled with stars. SRH have classy Kane Williamson, Sachin Baby, in-form Ricky Bhui, Sreevats Goswami (wk) & rookie Tanmay Agarwal as the reserved batsmen.

Bowling: Apart from the mainstay bowlers, one-time champs have Basil Thampi, Sandeep Sharma, Chris Jordan, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan & Bipul Sharma as backup options.

All-rounder: The long list continues with Carlos Brathwaite & Mohammad Nabi as the seam-bowling and spin-bowling all-rounders respectively.

DD revealed their 2018 jersey in a recent event

First Choice Playing XI: Colin Munro, Gautam Gambhir (c), Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Rishabh Pant (wk), Vijay Shankar, Chris Morris, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Shami, Shahbaz Nadeem

Batting: Delhi Daredevils is boosted with quality T20 batsmen, both Indian as well as overseas. Apart from the playing eleven, they have some gas in the tank too, having Jason Roy as a backup opener, Naman Ojha (wk), Gurkeerat Singh, youngsters like Prithvi Shaw & Manjot Kalra.

Bowling: DD is blessed to have replacements in the bowling department of the same calibre. Having Trent Boult in reserves is a bliss, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia and the talented Sandeep Lamichhane are some of the backup spinners. However, they lack Indian pacers with only Harshal Patel as an experienced option in the store.

All-rounder: Gambhir-led side has a genuine all-rounder in Daniel Christian who can pick up from anywhere in the tournament & add value to the team.

Kings XI Punjab got the much needed revamp

First Choice Playing XI: Aaron Finch, Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul (wk), Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, David Miller, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma

Batting: You know you already have a threatening batting line-up if you got Chris Gayle to warm the benches. Kings XI Punjab is blessed to have some really good batsmen in the supply that include the experienced Manoj Tiwary, Akshdeep Nath (wk) and of course the Universe Boss.

Bowling: Apart from their starting eleven, seamers like Barinder Sran, Ankit Rajpoot, underrated Ben Dwarshuis, spinners including uncanny Mujeeb Zadran & rookie Pradeep Sahu reserved their spots in Lion's den.

All-rounder: Perhaps the only area where KXIP lacks is a genuine all-rounder who can replace Marcus Stoinis if the unfortunate happens. But that won't be a concern for the management as they bat very deep & can include a genuine seamer to make Axar bat at 7, which he did up to this time.

Gauti returns to lead his home team after eight longs years

Indian Premier League is quite a long tournament as compared to its rival leagues, going on for around 6-8 weeks. We often observe the IPL teams lose momentum halfway into the tournament due to injuries or some players undergoing a bad-patch in their career.

The unfortunate is unpredictable, on account of which, the franchises aim to build the replacements for their mainstream players beforehand to prevent their team from suffering during the tournament.

Can the perfect blend of players help RCB lift the trophy?

First Choice Playing XI: Parthiv Patel (wk), Brendon McCullum, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Pawan Negi, Chris Woakes, Washington Sundar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal

Batting: Even after having a ferocious batting line-up, RCB has Quinton de Kock (wk), Manan Vohra, and young Sarfaraz Khan on the bench. Virat Kohli is lucky to have a vast number of options in the middle-order as well as at the top.

Bowling: Bowling is the factor that has always let them down in the past. Coming in 2018, things are different for them with seamers like Tim Southee, Mohammad Siraj, Aniket Chaudhary, talented rookie Navdeep Saini & in-form Kulwant Khejroliya in reserve. The spin-attack is backed up by leggie Murugan Ashwin after already having three spinners in the eleven.

All-rounder: RCB has a variety in the most important aspect of a team in modern-day cricket. Colin de Grandhomme & Moeen Ali will be the ones to keep a cushion behind the mainstream all-rounders like Chris Woakes, Pawan Negi & Washington Sundar.

Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest to play Test cricket for India

Playing Test cricket is a dream for any cricketer and playing in one before turning 18 is a fantastic achievement. At the same time, it might backfire heavily as most of the prodigies who are making their debut at a young age would still be raw for international cricket and do not have the temperament and maturity to handle the pressure of international cricket.

Rarely a team picks players less than 18 to play Test cricket and the last player who went on to do that was Mohammad Amir, when he made his debut against Sri Lanka in 2009. The Indian team management is more careful in handling the talented youngsters as the last player who represented India before turning 20 was Ishant Sharma in 2007.

Binny came up with a magical spell against Bangladesh

Son of the great Indian cricketer - Roger Binny, Stuart Binny's career never took off like his father's. He made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 2014, and in his third match, he produced one of the best ever performances with the ball, against Bangladesh.

In the 2nd ODI of India's tour to Bangladesh, a second string Indian side, led by Suresh Raina, was bowled out for just 105 runs. In response, Bangladesh looked well on course for victory at 43-2.

Joginder bowled the final over of the World T20 in 2007

The first thing anyone thinks of when they hear the name of Joginder Sharma is India's historic win against Pakistan in the inaugural World T20 held in South Africa in 2007.With 13 runs required off the last over, MS Dhoni decided to hand the ball to Joginder Sharma. When Misbah ul Haq hit him for a six in the second ball of the over, the Indian fans began to lose hope. However, in the very next delivery, Joginder dismissed Misbah to hand India the World T20.He is now serving as DSP in the police in the state of Haryana.

Ratra become the youngest Indian wicketkeeper to score a century

Ajay Ratra came around at the time when the Indian cricket team were experimenting with a lot of wicket-keepers. Like many others around the same time, he too did not have a long career with the national side, mainly due to his inconsistent performances with the bat.

He was a live wire behind the stumps, but his performances with the bat were quite dismal. However, he came up with a gem of an innings against West Indies in Antigua in 2002, scoring 115 runs. By doing so, he became the youngest wicketkeeper to score a Test century and the second Indian wicketkeeper to make one overseas.

Kanitkar will always be remembered for that four against Pakistan

The talented all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh was one of those few cricketers who had an exceptional record in first-class cricket but who wasn't able to perform well enough for the national side.Hrishikesh Kanitkar will always be remembered for the winning four he hit off Saqlain Mushtaq in the final of the Independence Cup back in 1998 in Dhaka, to help India achieve their highest ever run chase back then.Kanitkar went on to play 34 ODIs for India but managed to score just 339 runs at an average of 17. He did not make much of an impact with the ball either, taking just 17 wickets in total.

Mongia will always be remembered for his century against Zimbabwe

The left-handed batsman from Punjab made his ODI debut in 2001 after consistently performing well in the domestic circuit. He had a slow start to his career but managed to rack up a few runs against England in 2002, with scores of 71 and 49 in two consecutive ODIs.He was an integral part of India's squad back then, however, he failed to convert the good starts he got. He was due for a big performance, and it came against Zimbabwe in the final match of the five-match ODI series which was held in India, with the series tied at 2-2.

He took matters into his own hands as he smashed a record-breaking, career-high score of 159 to take the game away from Zimbabwe and help India win the series.He was included in India's 2003 world cup squad as well but failed to make an impact. Inconsistent performances led to him being dropped from the side a couple of years later.

Lynn is one of the most powerful hitters of the ball

Swashbuckling batsman Chris Lynn suffered a shoulder injury in Australia's T20 tri-series final in New Zealand, but it has been confirmed that he will not require a surgery for the same.

However, his cent percent participation for KKR from the start of the tournament remains unsure. Lynn has been frequently hit by injuries and last year too was ruled out of the side after the initials few games due to an injury.

Lynn can destroy the opponent bowlers with his big-hitting and that makes him a star player in the shortest format.

The speedster previously played for Kings XI Punjab

Paceman Mitchell Johnson was bought by KKR for INR 2 crore in the auctions and was being seen as a bright prospect for the team. However, last seen, Johnson added to KKR’s list of injured players after he sustained a serious injury to his head when working out in the gym.

He hit his head on the metal bar while doing chin-ups, which led to bleeding. The 36-year-old needed 16 stitches on his scalp after he was rushed to the hospital. With IPL less than three weeks away, Johnson may have to race against time to regain complete fitness for the tournament. 

Archer put up terrific performances in the BBL 2017

The Barbadian-born all-rounder Jofra Archer came into the limelight after his performances in the Big Bash League for Hobart Hurricanes this season, following which he was picked for a whopping INR 7.2 crore by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL auctions.

Archer, who was taking part in the PSL for the Quetta Gladiators, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain. Rajasthan are fretting over his participation in the IPL, which remains unconfirmed as yet.

Russell provides KKR with both runs and wickets

All-rounder Andre Russell, who was retained for INR 8.50 crore ahead of the auctions, was to make a comeback for the side after missing the last season due to a ban he was serving. However, his hamstring injury during the ongoing PSL has come as a huge blow to the franchise who have their biggest weapon in the West Indian.

Not only has he been ruled out from the rest of the PSL, he is also racing against time to regain fitness for the IPL. He is very crucial down the order, can chip in with some big shots and has won several matches for KKR.

Sunil Narine has been KKR's best bowler

The West Indian spinner was retained by the two-time champions ahead of the auctions. Sunil Narine was reported for suspect bowling action in the Pakistan Super League where he plays for the Lahore Qalandars. This has a possibility of jeopardising the star player’s participation in the IPL for KKR.

He was one of KKR’s star performers last season and also in 2012. The match officials’ from the PSL will send a report to Cricket West Indies regarding Narine’s action and he will then have to go through the process that is followed by his country’s board for suspect bowling action.

The Dashing Indian opener

Who better than the “Multan of Sultan” to end this list? Chasing a modest target of 143 against Deccan Chargers in the seventh match of the tournament, the Delhi dasher smashed 94*(41) to take Delhi home comfortably.

It was in the thirteenth over of the match when Viru decided to take on Andrew Symonds. The first ball went over extra cover, next over square leg, then towards fine leg, another one over cover, then, another pull, and the last one went rows back over long on to put an end to Symond’s misery.

This is how the over went: 4, 6, 4, 6, 4, 6

Chris Gayle the record for highest ever T20 score

It was in the 21st match of the 2012 edition, between RCB and Pune Warriors, when a young leg-spinner named Rahul Sharma realized what it was like to bowl to Christopher Henry Gayle.

Chasing a huge target of 183, RCB lost some early wickets. In the thirteenth over of the innings, Ganguly decided to bowl the young leg-spinner. Saurabh Tiwary, who was batting on the other end took a single on the first ball and then the juggernaut started. Five balls, five sixes - one over long off, the other one over deep mid wicket, next one over the bowler’s head, then over long on, and the last one towards deep square leg to end a long over from Rahul Sharma.

This is how the over went: 1, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6

He holds the record for scoring most sixes in IPL

This time, Gayle decided to take on Ravi Bopara. In the 34th match of the 2010 edition of IPL, playing for KKR, against KXIP, Gayle took Ravi Bopara to the cleaners. Manoj Tiwary took a single on the first ball of the over and then Chris Gayle turned on the 'beast mode' and smashed Bopara for four back to back gigantic sixes.

Under pressure, Bopara bowled a wide ball which went for a four too, another wide, and a single of the last ball, which ended the English bowler's nightmare. Although KKR lost the match courtesy Jayawardene’s excellent hundred, Gayle won many hearts in a single over.

This is how the over went: 1, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5Wides, Wide, 1

Most successful IPL Player

In the second qualifier match of the 2014 edition, Chennai Super Kings took On the Kings XI Punjab. Batting first, Punjab posted a huge total of 227 runs courtesy Virender Sehwag’s hundred.

Chennai came out all guns blazing during the chase. In the last over of the power play, Raina decided to take on the young Parvinder Awana.The first two balls went for two sixes, one over the mid-wicket boundary and next over long on. The Next five balls(no ball included) saw Raina hit five beautiful grounded shots, the highlight of which was the flick through deep mid wicket. Although CSK lost the match, Raina impressed everyone with his 25-ball-87.

This is how the over went: 6, 6, 4, 4, 4(no ball), 4, 4

Chris Gayle scored 30+ runs in an over thrice in IPL history

It was the 50th match of the 2011 IPL season between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kochi Tuskers. Chasing a modest target of 126, Chris Gayle came to his destructive best in the third over of the innings when he smashed Prasant Parameswaran for 37 runs in a single over.

The first two balls went for sixes over point region, then a four through mid wicket, another one through covers, then two back to back sixes, one over cover and one straight back over the bowlers head and finally, a four thanks to an inside edge, to add insult to Prasant’s injury.

RCB chased down the target with 41 balls remaining and Chris Gayle was awarded man of the match for his performance.

This is how the over went: 6, 6(No ball), 4, 4, 6, 6, 4

Poor bowling at the death

Yuzvendra Chahal removed Upul Tharanga with Sri Lanka requiring 39 off 32, and the game was still on, especially with Dasun Shanaka struggling to put bat on ball. The situation would have compounded further had Thisara Perera, their experienced T20 campaigner, been unable to bring out his golf-style strokes at the end.

Jaydev Unadkat, short on experience but bathing in IPL cash, was chosen to bowl the 18th over, but could not get his lines right, feeding Perera full deliveries that the left-hander hammered down to put the run-rate in place, just in time.By the time Shardul Thakur came to bowl the penultimate over, the die was already cast, and the rest of the runs were lapped up quickly. If only a certain Jasprit Bumrah was in the line-up!

The missing X-Factor of the fifth bowler

It is understandable that the newly formed combination of Indian bowlers, in the absence of the bigwigs, would take time to settle down. The biggest takeaway for them will be the need to identify a fifth bowler who could somehow prise out wickets in the middle overs, especially when one of the frontline bowlers has an off day.

With Shardul Thakur having a torrid day with the ball, Vijay Shankar, on debut, was given overs in the middle, but could not effect any damage with the Lankans looking in cruise control. Suresh Raina also chipped in with his off-spin, but it wasn't anything more than an entry into the scorer's sheet, as he went for 14 runs in two overs.

Giving runs aplenty in the powerplays

The wafer-thin experience of the Indian bowling line-up was exploited piece by piece by the Sri Lankan top-order, and Kusal Perera in particular. Kusal Mendis came and went, but Perera was in no mood to relent, taking Shardul Thakur to the cleaners by looting 27 runs off only one over.

The dent that was made by the onslaught was difficult to wipe off, and although the Indian bowlers tried to bring in a twist towards the end, the damage had already been done. Thakur had a torrid night, going for 42 runs off the 21 balls he bowled."The bowlers tried everything they did, but sometimes it doesn't come off as it has to," Rohit Sharma said, conceding the lack of experience in the bowling line-up in the post-match ceremony.

Inability to accelerate after the 12-over mark

Despite losing two wickets early in the innings, the Indian team would have expected to get around 200, especially after the end of the 12-over mark, with the score reading 100-2. Given that the Indian team was batting deep, and had players like Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar in the lower middle order, the goal would not have looked unachievable.

However, the innings tapered off thereafter, and the sluggish knock from Rishabh Pant did not help the cause. Manish Pandey stayed put with a 35-ball 37, but at the end of the half-way mark, the Indian team would have genuinely felt the pinch of finishing around 15 runs short.

Poor support for Shikhar Dhawan by the top-order

India's ultra-aggressive mode of batting in T20Is has been one of the focal points of their approach in the shortest format, and it had seemed to be working pretty well in South Africa. However, the plan fell flat on its face when Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina were back in the dressing room in no time, the latter getting bowled to a full toss.Although Shikhar Dhawan was stuck at one end, and kept going hammer and tongs, the same kind of platform could not be laid in the powerplays, as it could have if one of Rohit or Raina had stayed along.

Ravindra Jadeja will don the CSK yellow once again in the IPL this season

Where talent meets opportunity; that’s IPL’s tagline, and Ashwin and Jadeja will have the opportunity to challenge Chahal and Kuldeep. Jadeja is back in the yellow jersey and will be looking to play the all-rounder's role under Mahendra Singh Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Ashwin will not only compete against his former franchise but also lead his new franchise, Kings XI Punjab. He is known as a thinking cricketer and as captain, he will have complete control over as a bowler.

Ashwin could be the backup option for the wrist spinners

Team India has a good problem now as the so-called backups for Ashwin and Jadeja have almost cemented their place in the team. This development has made Ashwin and Jadeja backup options for Chahal and Kuldeep.

The other spinner in the mix is Axar Patel who is also inexperienced and not as good as the experienced duo when it comes to batting. With no other promising spinner on the horizon, team India will look at Ashwin and Jadeja in case Chahal or Kuldeep fail to perform or get injured.

Jadeja and Ashwin have proven batting capability

With India’s batting line-up struggling to find a consistent No. 4 and No. 5, the pressure of scoring runs falls on the lower order. This is where Ashwin and Jadeja have a huge advantage over Chahal and Kuldeep.

Ashwin has proved that he can bat in pressure situations whereas Jadeja’s big-hitting ability is second to none. What is troubling in their case is the consistency. They have been successful in scoring runs in some games but they can’t be relied on. However, if we make a direct comparison, Ashwin and Jadeja walk into the squad as lower order batsmen without a doubt. 

Chahal and Kuldeep have a long way to go

Chahal and Kuldeep are good but they are inexperienced. Ashwin and Jadeja have seen lots of ups and downs in their career and know how to hold their nerves in critical situations. One would argue, how would youngsters gain experience if they are not given an opportunity to perform? That is right, and they were given the opportunity which they grabbed with both hands. Now, they will have to keep performing.

A dip in performance from youngsters and a revitalized show from the veterans can turn the tables. Ashwin and Jadeja have played a lot of games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as International games. They know how to handle pressure. And that might bring them back in the squad if the rising stars fail to shine consistently in the coming matches.

Jadeja and Ashwin are highly experienced players

There’s no denying the fact that the spin twins, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have done a commendable job on the South African tour. However, one must not forget that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have played well over the years for India.

India’s lack of wicket-taking ability in the middle overs prompted the team management to look out for other options other than the tried and tested combination of Ashwin and Jadeja. Fortunately, Chahal and Kuldeep delivered the goods when required but the question is will they continue to do so?

India are yet to settle on an opening combination since Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir

4,412 runs in 87 innings

Average – 52.52, 100 – 11 and 50 – 25

Highest – 233

Delhi teammates Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir found themselves opening for India as well, when in 2004, Gambhir made his Test debut against Australia at Mumbai. Very soon, they would form one of the best top order pairings during their times, with only England, who had Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook at the top, having some stability.

While the southpaw Gambhir played the supporting role by accumulating quiet runs from one end, it was Sehwag who took on every opposition and every bowler he faced without a tinge of fear, unleashing big shots from the word go. An average exceeding 52 with 11 century stands in a total of 4,412 runs took them to the top of the table among Indian opening pairs; and unfortunately, India are yet to settle on a single opening combination since these two last opened in 2013.

Chetan Chauhan and Sunil Gavaskar averaged over 53 as a pair

3,010 runs in 59 innings

Average – 53.75, 100 – 10 and 50 – 10

Highest – 213

The great Sunil Gavaskar was involved with many partners at the top since his Test debut in 1971, one of whom was Chetan Chauhan. The pair began opening in 1973, with their last association at the top coming eight years later in 1981. A fantastic average of 53.75 showed the understanding between the pair which put on 10 half-centuries and century stands each.More than 3,000 runs together speak volumes by itself, and their highest remained 213 in 59 innings.

Sunil Gavaskar and Anshuman Gaekwad batted together in 49 innings

1,722 runs in 49 innings

Average – 35.88, 100 – 4 and 50 – 9

Highest – 176*

Before Sunil Gavaskar had found Krishnamachari Srikkanth for the company, he had already started out with the gritty Anshuman Gaekwad five years earlier in 1976. In 49 innings both right-handers added 1,722 runs, breaching the fifty-run mark thirteen times in total with a highest of an unbeaten 176.

In their very first innings, Murali Vijay and Shikhar put on a massive stand of 289 in 2013

1,511 runs in 38 innings

Average – 40.84, 100 – 2 and 50 – 5

Highest – 289

Yet another pair of one partner calm with the other far more aggressive. Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan have formed a formidable combination for India at the top ever since Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were shown the door for inconsistency in 2013. In their very first innings together, the left-right pair bashed a mountainous 289 against Australia at Mohali in 2013, which till date remains their highest.

Sunil Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth also opened in the successful 1983 World Cup campaign

1,469 runs in 34 innings

Average – 43.21, 100s – 3 and 50s – 9

Highest – 200

Sunil Gavaskar, the first man to score 10,000 Test runs, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the attacking opener of yesteryears, formed one of the most potent opening pairs during their days. In the 34 innings that they opened together, they strung three century partnerships and nine half-century stands.

Having hit as many as 1,469 runs together, their highest while batting together was exactly 200, having opened for India for six years from 1981 onwards, including the 1983 World Cup, where the then underdogs India knocked over the giants West Indies in the final.

Virat Kohli believes India's sporting culture needs to change

“My ultimate aim in life, in general, is to have a sporting culture in India where people know each and every sport inside out; to be able to follow all sports equally. I am certainly excited about the fact that we are at a juncture where we have a chance to create that in the next 10-15 years and we foresee Goa as the hub where footballers feel, ‘if I want to become a high-class footballer in India, I need to go there and train’,” Kohli told TOI.

PSL fan has an epic message for Team India skipper

Having established himself as one of the best modern-day batsmen in world cricket, there is no doubt that Virat Kohli has a lot of admirers around the world. On and off the cricket field, the Team India skipper continues to attract a lot of fans even in neighbouring country Pakistan.

Recently, during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators, a fan’s message for the classy right-hander went viral on social media. Displaying his love for Kohli, the spectator held a placard with a message that read, “We want to see Virat Kohli in PSL".

Team India's gesture will surely win our heart

Amidst deafening calls for intent, India found intention. And the tour changed face quicker than the men from Braavos. A Test win at Johannesburg after back to back beatings, a 5-1 grilling of the hosts and now a 2-1 stunner, it's been a series that's graduated to be India's. Hope this long two-month series stays alive for ages, in your head and on our servers.

Kaif’s Indians ODI XI

Former India international Mohammad Kaif is heralded as one of India’s greatest fielders who changed the way Indians fielded along with partner Yuvraj Singh. Kaif played 125 ODI’s and 13 Tests for India in his six-year-long illustrious international career. The 37-year-old burst on to the scene during his under-19 days when he led the Indian team to victory in the junior World Cup. Kaif then went on to make his international debut in the Test format against the Proteas in 2000 and then came into the limited-overs side in 2002 and made a name for himself in the 2002 Natwest series final when he scored a memorable 87 off 75 to help India chase down 326.

Kaif’s Indians ODI XI: Sachin, Sehwag, Ganguly, Virat, Yuvraj, Dhoni, Kapil, Dev, Harbhajan, Zaheer, Kumble, Srinath in his all-time XI.

Mithali Raj shares a fervent message for Sridevi and her family

The entire nation mourned as one of India’s iconic actors, Sridevi suffered an unfortunate demise.  The sudden news of Sridevi’s death on Saturday sent shockwaves throughout the country. The actor, aged 54, reportedly died due to a sudden cardiac arrest while in Dubai. Husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Khushi were also with the actress in Dubai for nephew Mohit Marwah’s wedding.

Sridevi, whose sudden death last Saturday shattered fans and colleagues, begun her final journey today dressed as a bride and wrapped in the national flag. Apart from the silver screen family, Indian sportspersons too poured in condolences for the family. The most recent being India women’s skipper Mithali Raj.

India’s captain Virat Kohli

The easiest selection in the World ODI XI is undoubtedly India’s Virat Kohli. The Modern Master, the best batsman in the World, the Chase Master, so many superlatives have been used to describe the man and he deserves every bit of that due to an out of this world record in the 50-over format. There is no other who has a better record at the moment in ODIs.

In 208 matches, the Delhi-lad has accounted for 9588 at an extraordinary average of 58.11 and a strike rate of 92.15. Add to the daunting numbers, the 35 centuries. The number one ranked ODI batsman and the legend in the making is also the best person to lead this World ODI XI.

Rohit Sharma of India

The Indian opener may not have done justice to his Test career so far yet he is one of the best batsmen going around in the world in the second oldest format of the game. His record speaks for itself. Having played 180 ODIs so far, he has amassed 6594 runs at an average of 44.55. Rohit has scored 17 hundreds so far that include 3 double centuries, the only man to achieve that in the history of the game.

The right-hander once gets his eye in, is extremely difficult to dismiss. He makes batting look easy with his lazy elegance and when he gets going, there is absolutely no stopping him. Rohit’s incredible knock of 264 against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens showed that he belongs to altogether a different league.

Is this your favourite ODI innings by Virat Kohli?

The 29-year-old Kohli surpassed his compatriot Rohit Sharma's tally of 491 runs against Australia in 2013-14 for the biggest run haul in any bilateral ODI series. Former Australia captain George Bailey is third in the list with 478 runs against India in 2013-14."I have got eight or nine years left in my career and I want to make the most of every day. It's a blessing that I am healthy and getting to captain my country," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Arjun Tendulkar set to miss Mumbai T20 league

Arjun Tendulkar, de facto the son of Sachin Tendulkar, has been in the news for his fiery left-arm seam bowling. Last year, he hogged the headlines when he hit English batsman Jonathan Bairstow on the foot in a net-session at the iconic Lords Cricket Stadium. The cricketer was set to take to take part in the inaugural season of the Mumbai T20 league, however, has ruled himself out of the event. Arjun is looking forward to remodeling his action owing to which he has taken the decision.