Despite cricket being a team game, the sport is heavily reliant on individual brilliance. A couple of players firing in tandem could have a big impact on the result. With just a day to go for the start of the 12th edition of the ICC World Cup in the UK, Onmanorama picks five combinations which could make a huge difference to the campaigns of their respective sides.
Rohit and Dhawan show
India's fine run in the ICC events starting from the 2013 Champions Trophy has a lot to do with the stellar show of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. The left-right combination complement each other and the duo's form will be vital to India's progress in the competition. Rohit and Dhawan have not been in the greatest of form in the run up to the World Cup. But both are proven performers on the big stage and in all likelihood the Hitman-Gabbar show will continue, especially if the tracks turn out to be batting-friendly. With India heavily dependent on the openers and No. 3 Virat Kohli, the opposition bowlers will be eager to cut short the opening stand.
Bairstow and Roy fireworks
If Rohit and Dhawan have to be a bit circumspect considering India's fragile middle order, there is no such worry for England's opening pair of Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy. The two have the licence to go on the attack from the word go in a line-up studded with power-hitters and the genius of Joe Root. How to stop the marauding Bairstow and Roy will be a headache for the rival captains and bowlers. The two could take the game away from the opponents in the first powerplay and it won't be a surprise to see captains bringing on the spinners inside the first ten overs.
Rabada and Ngidi chin music
South Africa head into the World Cup as outsiders for a change and it will be a blessing in disguise for them. The Proteas boast of one of the best pace attacks in the competition. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi can keep the best of batsmen quiet with pace legend Dale Steyn to play the supporting role. Both Rabada and Ngidi are quick and can hurt the opposition with wickets inside the powerplay and at the death. The only worry for South Africa is that both the pacers are returning from injuries and how they will shape up in the gruelling competition remain to be seen. If the two have a great run it is safe to assume that the Proteas will be there at the business end of the championship.
Headhunters Starc and Cummins
Defending champions Australia are looking good for a record-extending sixth World Cup title. The Aussies have the potent new-ball pair of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in their arsenal. Left-arm pacer Starc and right-arm fast bowler Cummins will go all out with the new ball to provide early breakthroughs for captain Aaron Finch. Starc, who played a key role in Australia's triumph on home soil in the last edition, is returning from an injury while Cummins is keen to build on the gains from the last summer when he bowled his heart out for Australia.
Rashid and Mujeeb magic
Afghanistan genuinely believe they could pull off a few major upsets this World Cup. The Afghans boast off a world-class spin attack with leggie Rashid Khan, mystery offie Mujeeb Ur Rahman and traditional offie Mohammad Nabi in their ranks. If Rahid's googlies are tough to pick, Mujeeb has the carrom ball up his sleeve. The Afghans will be tempted to field both Rashid and Mujeeb in their playing eleven solely because of their wicket-taking ability. The other Afghan bowlers too are likely to benefit from the pressure created by the duo.
