Continuing from the previous fantasy preview to group F in the Super Eights, this one will preview the Group E, that consists of India, South Africa, England and the West Indies. Between the two groups, this is definitely the tougher one, and though India and South Africa will be favourites to get into the semi-finals from here, it will only be marginally. India has had to give up on Virender Sehwag due to his shoulder injury, which has also resulted in a war-of-words between the team management – more specifically M.S.Dhoni – and the media. This hadn’t looked affecting the team psyche in their game against Ireland, but then, against a tougher opposition the chinks, if any may come out. Team India will bank on Rohit Sharma to give them the starts, but for Sports Pundit Fantasy experts, Gautam Gambhir could be a better option given that he likes to play longer innings, at a slower run-rate. Dhoni may drop down the order to give the number three slot back to its rightful owner, Suresh Raina which should give him the opportunity to help the experts garner many a points.Zaheer Khan’s four wicket haul has meant that his injury woes are behind him and he should be the bowler to look out, though, Pragyan Ojha will be the more difficult of the spinners to face.
Should be there in the teamSouth Africa won a convincing game against Scotland, but were tested by the Kiwis in a game that went down to the last delivery. Their batting looks strong, so much so that the Sports Pundit Fantasy experts may have their problems choosing the best of the players from this side, and the list includes Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers and J.P.Duminy. My personal favourite may be Duminy, but he has been batting far too low for him to a sufficient impact on the fantasy scorers.
Will he overcome his injury?West Indies heavily rely on two players, Chris Gayle and Bravo and while I will be tempted to have at least one of them in my side, it must be said that Gayle had injured his leg in the Australia game and missed the Sri Lanka one. Similarly, the law of averages could play a part and one of two, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul or Ramnaresh Sarwan could hold the key in the next stage of the tournament.England had their hearts in their mouth when they lost their first game to Netherlands but came back well to dispose off Pakistan. The chief architects of their win have been Luke Wright and Kevin Pietersen to an extent. Graeme Swann played a part in the Pakistan defeat, but whether he will earn a lot of points for the Sports Pundit Fantasy experts remains to be seen. Instead, James Anderson looks more likely to pick up wickets, despite conceding a lot more runs. Ravi Bopara may have had an off day, but his overall form is too good to be ignored either!
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