My Indian XI

India looks to be the team to beat. Time will tell whether the IPL gave a good practice session leading to the world cup or whether the fatigue factor will catch up sooner or later. Here is my Indian eleven for the tournament.

1 & 2. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag - was there any doubt? The left-right combination is briskly making a name for itself. It has to be one of the finest pairs at least in recent times. Even though they failed repeatedly in the IPL, i believe that they will turn the tables in the world cup.

3. Suresh Raina- Raina has improved leaps and bounds in the last two years. Hits it as clean as anybody in the game. Unlike the previous years, Raina is a much more confident guy. The way in which he gets under the ball to deposit the bowler way beyond the long-on and mid-wicket fence is a treat to watch.

4. Yuvraj Singh - After Sehwag, this talismanic southpaw would undoubtedly be any bowler's most feared batsman in this Indian line-up. He makes batting look so easy. With fluid strokes all round the wicket, he will make sure that the stands are not empty while he is batting. Lately, he is much more equipped in facing offies, a weakness well exploited by rival captains in the past.

5. Mahendra Singh Dhoni - The charismatic captain has not done well in recent times, but he cannot be counted out by any stretch of imagination. He did not do well in the previous version either, so he would badly want to lead by example this time.

6. Rohit Sharma - perhaps the most elegant batsman in the line-up, Rohit Sharma has flattered to deceive on more than one occasion. The stint with Deccan Chargers in the IPL showed that he has not lost all of it. I think Rohit is going to lead the batsmen of the next generation.

7. Yusuf Pathan - To be frank, I wont fix a position for this big-hitter. He may bat at any of the positions from 3-7 depending on the match situation. He makes good use of the long handle and his big stride and he can clear the fence with ease, even if it is a mishit.

8- Harbhajan Singh - The offie has been in good form for the last two years and played a vital role in bringing the trophy to India. He can also hit the ball a fair distance, and on his day he can be as effective the bat as any other guy.

9-Irfan Pathan/Pragyan Ojha - I would rather go for Irfan, given his ability with the bat. It is tough to drop Ojha after his splendid show in the IPL. This would be the toughest choice in finalizing the side.

10. Zaheer Khan/Praveen Kumar - even though Praveen Kumar is not the quickest, he can swing the bowl both ways and can ask a few questions to the openers. If Zaheer is be injured, Praveen would definitely find a place in my side.

11. R P Singh - The purple capper in the IPL will be a certain inclusion in my side. He causes a few problems to the right handers with his in-swingers.

At this point in time, I would prefer Praveen Kumar and Irfan Pathan over Ishant Sharma. Ishant seems to be jaded and tired. With a return of just 7 wickets in 13 matches in the IPL, he would be in my eleven only if there is no other option.