Two teams that could spoil the World T20 for MS Dhoni & Co

MS Dhoni, the charismatic leader of the Indian cricket team, has led them to the summit of the ICC World T20 rankings. More interestingly, this is not the first time it is happening. However, why is it different this time? What is the significance of MS Dhoni’s men’s form this time around?

In the buildup to the 2009 World T20 in England, India beat Pakistan in a warm-up match at The Oval in London. Although the match carried no significant weight, the crowd at the Kensington Oval witnessed one of India’s best performances in T20 cricket. The Indians cruised to a comfortable 9 wicket win. Beyond a short of doubt, the Indians were the favorites. They were expected to steamroll the other nations that came in the way of retaining the crown. However, that wasn’t meant to be as the Indians were thrashed out of sight by England, South Africa, and the West Indies to finish last in the Group E of the Super Eights.

The similar situation has risen once more this time around. Before adding the Asia Cup, MS Dhoni’s men ripped through Australia in their own backyard and dispatched of a weakened Sri Lankan side just before the Asia Cup. However, while complacency may set in, the Indians will remember the pain of losing the 2014 World Cup at Dhaka.

India is a clear favorite, especially given the fact that they are playing in conditions conducive to the players. At the moment, it seems as though they can do no wrong. Playing at home, however, has its drawbacks. It also gives the chance to strong sides featuring in the competition to make a strong statement. The in-form New Zealand and Australia will surely be looking to spoil the party for MS Dhoni and his side.

New Zealand

While much of the limelight has been on the Indians’ flawlessness on the T20I stage, the New Zealanders have been in prime form. They have lost just three of nine T20Is played from the start of 2015. The absence of Brendon McCullum will do little to upset the momentum the Black Caps have gained over the past year. Besides, the Indians have never beaten the Kiwis in T20 internationals yet. They have squared off on five occasions, with the Kiwis winning 4 of the matches. Below mentioned are a few stats to suggest that the Kiwis could beat India.

• India has never beaten New Zealand in a T20 international
• Colin Munroe compiled the fastest fifty in T20Is by a New Zealander. Yuvraj Singh compiled the fastest in T20I cricket. However, Yuvraj still hasn’t completely found his feet
• Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson have accounted for 75% of the runs in T20Is for New Zealand while Trent Boult and Tim Southee have accounted for 83% of the wickets
• Mitchell Santner’s impact on the game is massive with both bat and ball and Ross Taylor has recovered from injury to be fit for the tournament.

Although skipper Kane Williamson has said that India will be favorites, the Kiwis pose a threat to the reigning top-ranked team.

Australia

The irresistible Aussies weren’t given much of a chance following a disastrous series against India at home. However, on the back of an impressive tour of New Zealand, the Aussies impressed one and all with their T20I exploits in the series against South Africa. The trouble for the Australians is their inability to embrace the shortest format of the game.

Usman Khawaja has been in exquisite form while David Warner has been a revelation batting down the order. While the Aussies look strong on paper once again, here are a few stats to back up the facts.

• David Warner and Shane Watson are the leading run-scorers for the Aussies in T20I cricket. They are both in the squad for the World T20
• In addition, Shane Watson is also Australia’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is
• Usman Khawaja has a strike-rate of 132.6 in the three matches played for Australia.

Although the Indians sit pretty atop the ICC World rankings, the likes of Australia and New Zealand pose a serious threat.