15. Praveen Kumar - Jiiva
Happy doing their kind of thing! Have pulled off some good things, but have not been able to string together good performances on a consistent basis to become regular members in the first choice unit.
14. Piyush Chawla - Shiva
Unexpected arrivals who are here purely on the strength of some surprising turnarounds effected by them in 2010. Have overtaken some other senior and more familiar names to get here. But, their courage to be different won them the confidence.
13. Ravichandran Ashwin - Bharath
Talented young men waiting for a big moment that will catapult them to higher levels. When the moment arrives – will they be able to grab it?
12. Yousuf Pathan - STR
When they are on song, they can blast things out of sight. Single handed winners in their own right. Absolutely irrepressible when they get going. But, problem is, they do not get going often enough for everyone to vote for them hands down. A little introspection might change things forever and they will be invaluable assets. Seem to be working on it.
11. Munaf Patel - Vishal
Skilled, controlled, reliable, but a bit one dimensional! Have to work on variations to add new dimensions to themselves as performers. What they do regularly, they do very well; it is that extra bit of unpredictability which will make them more exciting prospects. Have the quality to metamorphose themselves – if they want to!
10. Ashish Nehra - Jeyam Ravi
There is potential, there is skill, there is commitment; there is everything that takes to make a complete performer, but the breakthrough to the top level is yet to happen. Have been around for long enough for that breakthrough to be considered a tad late, but it might just be round the corner. Consistent performers of great value no doubt, but still looking for opportunities to touch greatness.
9. Zaheer Khan - Suriya
Started off as young enthusiastic and energetic performers. But, over time have matured into sensible and extremely pragmatic practitioners of their respective arts. Difficult to spot anyone who knows the nuances of their trade as well as these two. Absolutely uncompromising on quality and consistency; constantly looking for new ways to improve. You will seldom come across people who are so sure of what they are doing; hardly put a foot wrong.
8. Harbhajan Singh - Vikram
Experienced, wily customers who know the tricks of their trade inside out. Highly respected for all that they have done and continue to do. Everyone knows that it is difficult to find anyone else as adept at their trade as these two. When they are in their element, there will be few better sights to watch. Enigmatic, but extraordinary when time and form permit.
7. M.S. Dhoni - Kamal Haasan
The captain! Men who think, work and provide direction to the unit. Both these men fit the bill perfectly. An all round knowledge of their respective fields, experience (one person outweighs the other by a small matter of 40 years) and a cool head to handle matters with. You cannot think about a unit without these men. If anything goes wrong, count on them to step in and do damage control.
6. Suresh Raina - Arya
Amongst the most exciting young performers in their respective fields! In a short span of time, have managed to gain a lot of appreciation for their sensibility and willingness to take on different situations. However, are yet to be fully tested in all kinds of conditions but have shown enough mettle for everyone to feel confident that they will make the cut. Another exciting youth package, currently inevitable to the set up.
5. Yuvraj Singh - Vijay
Explosive; the ability to turn things around single handedly even from the most bleak of scenarios. Have done some unforgettable things in the past which makes them an inevitable part of the composition. In-spite of a drastic drop in form over the last two seasons, they are men of caliber who just need a moment of inspiration to turn the corner. And, once they are back to their best, it will be hard to find performers who leave a bigger impact.
4. Virat Kohli - Karthi
Burst onto scene as young men with great potential. But, ‘flash in the pan’ doubts did linger until they proved their mettle in tough conditions. Now, no one doubts their ability to go the distance. 2010 was the turning point in their careers. If one made three centuries, the other gave three well received films at the box office. Exemplify the importance of youth in the composition.
3. Gautham Gambhir - Dhanush
Young men, first doubted, now respected for having proved their worth beyond doubt in a variety of situations. They have had their rough patches in the past, but both have emerged as better and more complete performers. Have shown the ability to adapt and adjust to different requirements and are now currently going through the best phase of their careers. Going by present status; absolutely vital part of the set up.
2. Virender Sehwag - Ajith
‘Opening king’; the kind of start that both these men can get in their respective fields is breathtaking. If Sehwag can set off an innings at breakneck speed, Ajith can amaze the industry with the huge initial collections that he can generate. Yes, when they get going, they are unstoppable. But, they are as likely to fall as they are to succeed. You could say that consistency is not one of their highly rated qualities. They have certain points; both strengths and weaknesses; that are unique to them and that is what makes them special.
1. Sachin Tendulkar - Rajinikanth
Legend for a legend! There is no other choice really. They are amongst the most senior men in their chosen fields; have reached an age where most contemporaries have retired; but, these men show no signs of tiring. If anything, they seem to be getting stronger and better with each passing year. Can always be counted upon to deliver – of the very highest quality. You just cannot keep them out. They have come to a stage where they pick and choose what they want to do. And, when they do, all the world is a spectator.
