The 11 standout players from the first week of action in this year’s Cricket World Cup.
1. Rohit Sharma (India)
Chasing 228 to win in India’s long-awaited first match of the tournament, Rohit played a composed and controlled innings to anchor his side’s reply. Apart from one calamitous drop by David Miller, Rohit’s 122* was risk-free and guided India to an easy six-wicket victory. A perfect way to start off a World Cup campaign.
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2. Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka)
The wicketkeeper-batsman showed signs that he was in good touch in the first match against New Zealand with an aggressive 29, but it was in the second match against Afghanistan when he really shone. In bowler-friendly conditions, he made a bullish, Sanath Jayasuriya-esque 78 and stayed calm despite wickets falling around him. It turned out to be a crucial knock in the context of the game.
3. Joe Root (England)
With his impressive pace and sharp bounce, Thomas has had an excellent start to the World Cup, taking six wickets at 15 apiece and proving to be a real strike bowler in the West Indies set-up. He has had particular success with the short ball and he particularly hurried Pakistan’s batsmen as his 4-27 blew them away for just 105.
11. Yuzvendra Chahal (India)
Chahal has proven to be a key member in India’s limited-overs side in the past 18 months and his combination with Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs has been very effective. Against South Africa, Chahal’s leg-spin tied down the batsmen and he picked up key wickets to dent any momentum that the Proteas threatened to build. He finished with 4-51 at the AGEAS Bowl.
