World Cup and the Indian connection

Agencies

A look at the team lists in this year's World Cup and it's more than obvious that India is not only driving cricket's economy, but also contributing to the talent base of some other countries.

If the likes of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies trace their roots back to India by a few generations, other instances are much younger.

As the ninth World Cup approaches, it is apt to celebrate this Indian connection.

England:

(Mudhsudhen Singh) 'Monty' Panesar (24): The first Sikh to play for England is only 13 Tests and nine ODIs old, but already a household name in his land of birth as well as that of his forefathers.

England's own 'Turbanator' from Luton was kept out of the one-day scheme of things because of his apparent lack of fielding ability, but some sterling performances in the longer version of the game - including the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar in his first Test over - as well as the CB tri-series forced his way into the World Cup squad.

Ravinder Bopara (21): 'Puppy' claimed the wicket of Mike Hussey in the only one-dayer he has played so far, but the former Under-19 and 'A' team player is primarily a batsman who can bowl a bit. He has scored 2246 runs at a respectable 34.03 and taken 46 wickets in 48 first-class matches.

New Zealand:

Jeetan Patel (26): The offie picked 5-145 in his first-class debut for Wellington and has been a perfect foil to the left-arm spin of Daniel Vettori. Has 25 scalps from 17 ODIs so far, and is also a brilliant fielder.

Kenya:

Tanmay Mishra (20): This Mumbai-born is the most promising amongst the youngsters picked by the Kenyan selectors last year in their effort to rebuild the side. A middle order bat, 'Mish' has scored 661 runs in 25 ODIs and is also very athletic on the field.

Hiren Varaiya (22): Nicknamed 'Viru', Varaiya had an as memorable ODI debut when he claimed a wicket off his first ball in a match against Canada last year. This left-arm spinner has taken 24 wickets at an impressive 18.12 from 15 ODIs.

Mallhar Patel (23): Shahid Afridi gifted him the first ball duck on debut in the Champions Trophy in England in 2004. A middle order batsman, Patel has played three one-day matches so far.

Rajesh Bhudia (22): 'Cocu' comes from Bhuj, Gujarat. A right arm medium-pacer, he has played in three first-class matches and taken five wickets.

Canada:

Ashish Bagai (25): The Delhi-born wicketkeeper-batsman will be take part in his second World Cup, having played in the 2003 edition in South Africa. Bagai, also the north-American team's vice-captain, has 710 runs from 26 one-dayers under his belt and is coming off a personally rewarding World Cricket League in Kenya where he was leading the run-scorer with 345, including two centuries, and was the player of the tournament.

Scotland:

Navdeep Singh Poonia (20): The 6-foot 3-inch Glasgow-born came into the World Cup squad because of his performance in the World Cricket League, in which Scotland finished runners-up to Kenya - with 111 runs from eight matches. His average in the tournament, 13.87, might not be impressive, but Poonia has a reputation for big hitting. His best knock of 67 against Canada came from 66 balls and contained 11 fours and two sixes.

Source : http://www.centralchronicle.com