The World Cup more often than not brings out the best in the players and can cause even the stoutest of hearts to crumble with pressure or the underdog to rise to the very top.
The tournament can be a mixed bag in terms for emotions, from the joy of lifting cricket's biggest prize to the pain of falling short of their goal, the Cup emanates a plethora of emotions that one would probably never get to see otherwise.
Players announcing themselves on the big stage (Inzamam ul Haq in 1992, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid in 1999) or players bidding adieu after a superb showing (Glenn McGrath in 2007, Martin Crowe in 1992) the World Cup has been the perfect stage to show the cricketing world what a player is worth.
Swansongs
Sachin Tendulkar (37): After more than 2 decades in the game, Sachin Tendulkar probably has created a record for the number of records and trophies he's won. But the coveted World Cup has slipped his grasp on 5 occasions and the Master may well have a final fling in this edition. Sachin has been the top scorer in World Cups on 2 occasions; now with a strong team to back him, the 37 year old has his best chance to lift that elusive Cup.
Ricky Ponting (36): The Australian right hander holds the enviable record of being in a World Cup winning team on 3 occasions, and twice being the man to lift it first. But unlike the last 2 World Cups, the Oz come into the multi-starrer with a lot of questions hanging. Can Ponting inspire his team to lift the World Cup an unprecedented 5 times? Not many seem to think so, but I wouldn't count it out.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (36): The unorthodox left hander has been a faithful servant for the Windies since 1994 and continues to be the glue that holds the batting line up together. The 36 year old is the 3rd highest West Indian run scorer in World Cups having amassed 856 runs and would play an important role if West Indies are to break their 32 year jinx.
Jacques Kallis (35): Perhaps the greatest cricketer of our era, Jacques Kallis is the most experienced World Cup campaigner in the Proteas' ranks. Kallis' ability to contribute richly with both bat and ball makes him an indispensable member of the squad and the burly all-rounder will look forward to continue his stunning form from the Test series in India to the World Cup as SA hope to lose their horrid luck and lift the WC for the first time ever.
Muttiah Muralitharan (38): The spin wizard from Sri Lanka has already announced he will hang up his boots once the World Cup ends and he will be doubly determined to make a lasting impact on the international scene for the final time. Murali had a fabulous outing in the last WC picking up 23 wickets, and a similar feat would see him end as the highest wicket taker in World Cups.
First appearances
Virat Kohli (22): Virat Kohli has been the saving grace in an otherwise lacklustre batting display for the Indians recently. The youngster has displayed maturity and ability that belies his tender age and is seen upon by many pundits as the next big thing in international cricket. The World Cup would be the perfect stage for Kohli to demonstrate how good a player he is.
Misbah-ul-Haq (36): The late bloomer has been Pakistan's saviour on many occasions recently and the embattled team will be looking to the Test captain to repeat his heroics at the biggest stage. Misbah would do well to put behind the recent distractions about being Pakistan's skipper at the World Cup and churn out runs for his team. Misbah's first World Cup could also be his last as the Pak Test captain is on the wrong side of 30.
David Hussey (33): With Michael Hussey conspicuous by his absence and Ponting and Clarke suffering from injury and bad form respectively, the onus falls on the younger Hussey. The right hander had a good outing in the recently concluded 7 match series against England and he will be raring to go at the World Cup.
Graeme Swann (31): Swann has often been hailed as the best spinner on show currently. The off spinner is vital to England's chances as the front line spinner in favorable conditions and he will also have the opportunity to enhance his reputation as the best spinner on view at the World Cup.
Hashim Amla (27): Hashim Amla's rise to the top of the batting charts has been meteoric. Having suffered an unimpressive start to his career, the right hander has now plundered runs at will and is seen as one of the most dangerous batsmen. Blessed with class and technique that could turn an opponent green with envy, Amla will be one of the players to watch out for at the WC.
© Cricbuzz
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