You can’t wait for the Cricket World Cup to start. As the world’s premier international cricket tournament, the World Cup showcases the best players on the planet going head to head for the ultimate prize. But who are the players to watch this year? The superstars that are poised to dominate the highlights and carry their teams to glory? Here are the most valuable players heading into this year’s Cricket World Cup.
Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli is arguably the best batsman in the world right now and the captain of the Indian national team. His aggressive and passionate style of play has earned him a huge fan following.
Kohli holds the record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian and the fastest T20I century in men's cricket. He has scored over 12,000 runs in ODIs at an average of 59 and has 43 centuries to his name. Known for his chasing skills, Virat Kohli has the most number of centuries in successful ODI chases.
The 'King Kohli' has dominated in all formats - ODIs, Tests and T20s. His quick reflexes, wristy strokes and ability to find gaps in the field make him a treat to watch. Virat Kohli is also an animated character who wears his heart on his sleeve. His aggression and passion on the field show how much cricket and his team mean to him.
Off the field, Virat Kohli leads a healthy lifestyle and has his own fitness brand 'One8' which promotes living fit and following your passion. He married famous Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017. The power couple are influential youth icons in India.
With 43 ODI tons already under his belt at just 31 years of age, Virat Kohli is destined to break many more records. If he continues his current form, he may well end up as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen of all time. All eyes will be on the Indian captain as he leads his team in the upcoming World Cup. King Kohli will undoubtedly be key to India's chances of lifting the trophy.
Steve Smith (Australia)
Steve Smith is one of the best batsmen in the world and a key player for Australia. His technique and concentration are unmatched. Over his career, Smith has proven himself in all formats of the game, especially Test cricket.
In Tests, Smith averages over 61 with 26 centuries and counting. He broke into the Australian Test team in 2010 as a leg spinner who could bat a bit. Since then, he has evolved into a premier batsman. Smith has scored runs all over the world, from the spin-friendly pitches of Asia to the bouncy tracks of Australia and South Africa. His unorthodox batting style may look strange, but it works for him. Smith is especially strong off his pads and plays the cut shot as well as anyone.
Despite missing the 2018 World Cup due to suspension, Smith remains a threat in ODIs as well, averaging over 41 with 8 tons. Now back as captain, he'll be hungry to prove himself on the biggest stage. The Aussies will rely heavily on Smith to anchor their inexperienced batting lineup. If he gets going, he has the ability to bat deep into matches and rack up big scores.
Smith may have started as a spinner, but now he's the best batsman of his generation. With Smith in the side and in form, Australia have a chance to win their sixth World Cup. His battle with players like Virat Kohli and Joe Root should make for a thrilling tournament. Love him or hate him, you can't deny Smith's talent and importance to this Australian team.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Kane Williamson is considered by many to be one of the best batsmen in the world currently. As captain of the New Zealand cricket team, he will be instrumental to their success in the upcoming World Cup.
Williamson made his debut for New Zealand back in 2010 and has since become their star player. His technique and temperament are unmatched. He’s known for his elegant stroke play and ability to score runs all around the wicket. Williamson holds the record for the highest test score for New Zealand, with 251 runs. He’s also ranked as the number one test batsman in the world.
With Williamson at the helm, New Zealand has a real chance to win their first ever World Cup trophy. His leadership and performance under pressure have guided the team to the finals before. Williamson scored back-to-back centuries in the 2019 World Cup, though his team fell just short of the title. This time around, Williamson will look to lead from the front with both the bat and as captain.
Some factors that make Williamson such a valuable player:
•His consistency. Williamson is one of the most consistent run scorers, averaging over 50 in all three formats of the game. He provides stability to New Zealand's batting lineup.
•His technique. Williamson has a very orthodox batting technique which makes him hard to dismiss. He plays late and under his eyes, waiting for the ball to come to him.
•His temperament. Williamson is known for his cool and composed nature. He performs well under pressure and in crunch situations. His calmness instills confidence in his teammates and fans.
•His leadership. As captain of New Zealand, Williamson has guided them to the top of the test rankings. He leads by example and makes smart tactical decisions on the field. His team has a lot of respect for his leadership.
With the World Cup on home soil, New Zealand will look to Kane Williamson's valuable contributions with the bat and as leader to give them their best chance at glory. He is truly the most valuable player for the Black Caps.
Joe Root (England)
Joe Root is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen in the world right now and a key player for England. As captain of the England cricket team, Root will be looking to lead his side to World Cup glory on home soil this summer.
Root has been ranked as the number one batsman in the world in Test and ODI cricket. He holds several batting records for England, including the most ODI centuries and the highest score in ODIs by an England batsman. His technique, temperament, and consistency make him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack.
With over 4 years of experience as England captain, Root has developed into an astute leader. However, he will feel he has unfinished business in ODI cricket's showpiece event. England reached the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy but fell at the final hurdle against Pakistan. Root will be determined to go one step further this time around.
England has a strong squad with a good blend of experience and exciting young talent. However, their chances of success will depend a lot on Root and his ability to score big runs at crucial times. Root tends to raise his game for major tournaments, and there is no bigger stage than a World Cup on home soil. If England is to lift the trophy at Lord's on 14th July, expect Root to play a pivotal role at the top of the order.
The World Cup is shaping up to be a closely fought tournament with several teams in strong contention. However, with the crowd behind them and Joe Root leading the charge, England will be tough to beat. Root has the ability, temperament, and big-game experience to guide England to their first-ever World Cup title. The stage is set for Root to cement his status as one of England's all-time greats.
Rohit Sharma (India)
Rohit Sharma is arguably one of the best batsmen in the world currently and a key player for India heading into the Cricket World Cup. As an opening batsman and vice-captain of the Indian national team, Rohit will be instrumental in helping India go deep in the tournament.
Rohit made his ODI debut back in 2007 but took a few years to cement his place in the Indian team. However, since 2013, he has been one of the pillars of India's batting lineup. Rohit holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs (264) and is known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to hit massive sixes.
When on song, Rohit can be nearly impossible to bowl to. His wide range of shots all around the ground, as well as his ability to find gaps in the field, make him a threat to any bowling attack. Rohit's relaxed and unhurried style of batting, even when the asking rate is climbing, is a perfect foil for India's other strokeplayers like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya.
Rohit did have an indifferent 2018, but he's started 2019 in imperious form. He smashed 133 off just 129 balls in the series opener against Australia and followed it up with another century in the next game. Rohit seems to have hit his straps at just the right time for India's World Cup campaign.
With Rohit in top gear, he gives India one of the most formidable opening partnerships in the world along with Shikhar Dhawan. If Rohit can continue his current run of form into the World Cup, there is no limit to what India might achieve. His ability to score big hundreds and bat deep into the innings could prove crucial as India aim to win their third World Cup title.
Conclusion
So as the World Cup approaches, now you know who the players are that are poised to make the biggest impact. These superstars of cricket are the ones to watch because they have the skills, experience, and raw talent to lead their teams to victory. When the tournament gets underway, find time to tune in and witness these valuable players in action. Their performances could make history and shape the outcome of this World Cup. Who ends up hoisting the trophy may come down to which team has the most valuable players and can get the most out of them when everything is on the line. The countdown is on - it's almost time for these cricket legends to take center stage.
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