SACHIN TENDULKAR

Age:33

Position: All-rounder

ODIs:>381

Runs 14,783

Average: 44

Wickets: 147

Economy rate 5.05

Comment: Along with Brian Lara, he is widely regarded at the best batsman to play international cricket in the last decade. In a country where cricket is treated more like a religion than a sport, Tendulkar is a god. The “Little Master” is playing in his fourth World Cup and will be as determined as ever to let his genius shine through. Has also developed into an important part of India’s bowling attack with his mixture of off and leg breaks.

IRFAN PATHAN

Age: 22

Position: Left-arm seamer

ODIs: 73

Runs: 1,006

Average: 25.15

Wickets: 115

Economy rate: 5.02

Comment: Widely regarded as the most talented swing bowler to emerge from India in many years, Pathan has struggled for form of late but is still a serious threat when his action is in sync. Bowls at a lively 85 miles-an-hour plus and can swing the ball sharply back into right-handers. His batting has also come on of late and he has slotted in as high as number three in a powerful Indian batting line-up. Could give the Bermuda batsmen yet more trouble if he is on target.

RAHUL DRAVID

Age: 34

Position: Batsman

ODIs: 310

Runs: <$>10,044

Average: 40.01

Comment: A classic stroke-maker of the highest class, the Indian captain has been a mainstay in what is an absolutely fantastic Indian batting unit for more than a decade. Has every shot in the book and still manages to score quickly in ODIs without ever, it seems, resorting to the unorthodox. As captain of India, he comes into this tournament under a huge amount of pressure to deliver the World Cup trophy for the first time since their surprise win over the West Indies in 1983. But blessed with one of the calmest temperaments in world cricket, there’s little doubt he will be able to handle it.

MS DHONI

Age: 25

Position: Wicketkeeper-batsman

ODIs 66

Runs:1,958

Average: 46.61

Catches: 72

Stumpings: 8

Comment: A swashbuckling batsman who has developed a reputation as a man capable of shredding even the best attacks in world cricket. His colossal 183 not out against Sri Lanka in Jaipur last November broke the record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper in ODIs. His raw power is frightening to behold at times and he is particularly savage on anything slanted in towards his pads. His wicketkeeping is also top class and he is a credible rival to Adam Gilchrist and Kuma Sangakkara to the title of best wicketkeeper-batsman in world cricket.

HARBHAJAN SINGHM

Age 26

Position: Off-spinner

ODIs: 147

Runs: 687

Average: 12.72

Wickets 170

Economy rate: 4.13

Comment: The best off-spinner to emerge from India since the 1970s, like Muttiah Muralitharan, Singh is capable of turning the ball both ways. Exploded onto the world scene when he destroyed the Australians with 32 wickets in three Test matches back in 2001 and has gone to become an indispensable member of India’s attack. Won’t enjoy bowling on what is a pretty true Queen’s Park Oval wicket, but his unerring accuracy should make him very difficult for the Bermuda batsmen to get after.

SOURAV GANGULY

Age: 34

Position: Batsman

ODIs:286

Runs:>10,470

Average: 41.22

Wickets: 94

Economy rate: 5.05

Comment: The hugely talented left-hander polarises opinion in India more than any other player. Nobody questions his ability, but some do point to his at times prickly character and his reputation as a bit of a stubborn loner. But at his best Ganguly is irresistible and is regarded by many as one of the greatest one-day batsmen of all time. Renowned for his glorious leg-side pick-ups for six, his off-side play is also magnificent. Won’t be losing too much sleep over facing Bermuda’s attack and will prove very difficult to contain if in the mood.