With top World Cup contenders showcasing batting prowess, India are at back-foot

New Delhi: Ahead of the ICC World Cup 2015, most of the countries who are considered as the major contenders to win the marquee event are gearing up for the much-awaited event by playing One Day tournaments in different parts of the world.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka are the favourites to win the quadrennial event, starting next month in Trans-Tasman nations.

Australia and India are playing a triangular series Down Under, where England is the third team. Sri Lanka are playing a seven-match bilateral series against the Black Caps in New Zealand, whereas, South Africa are preparing themselves by playing against West Indies at home.

All these teams are showing their batting prowess, as most of their-top order batsmen are looking in sublime form, albeit Team India.

For South Africa, skipper AB de Villiers is in rich run of form and recently took the cricket world by surprise after hitting the fastest ODI ton in mere 31 balls, with the help of 16 sixes and nine boundaries. Apart from de Villiers, opener Hashim Amla is also in fine form with the bat.

For New Zealand, opener Kane Williamson, skipper Brendon McCullum are in rich vein of form, whereas formidable trio of Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan​ are in good nick as well.

Australia, who would get the home advantage during the World Cup, are looking rock solid in their batting line-up with both their openers – David Warner and Aaron Finch firing all cylinders. Apart from them, Steven Smith has also been going through a purple patch.

However, leaving aside Rohit Sharma's magnificent ton against Australia, defending champion India's top-order haven't displayed their batting prowess in the first two matches they played in the ongoing tri-series.

With World Cup round the corner, their batting, which is India's strength has to click, otherwise it would be difficult for Dhoni & Co to retain their world champions tag.

Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan need to get their ODI form back before Team India starts its World Cup campaign against Pakistan from February 15.