Why Imran Tahir Was the Star Man for South Africa at the 2015 Cricket World Cup

Imran Tahir has been a key cog in the South African limited-overs team for some time now. His struggles in Test cricket have been well-documented, but when it comes to limited-overs cricket, Tahir really comes into his own.

During South Africa’s World Cup campaign, his value was underscored once more. With 15 wickets at an average of 21.23 and an economy rate of 4.23, Tahir formed an integral part of the bowling lineup.

As South Africa's go-to man during the powerplays, Tahir's task was mainly to build pressure, especially when the speedsters had failed to fire up front. His efforts saw him rocket to No. 2 in the ICC bowler rankings.

While Morne Morkel played a vital role, too, Tahir was more important because of his versatility. Not only is he effective at various stages of the innings, he also has loads of tricks up his sleeve.

In the longer format of the game, Tahir’s variation often goes awry. When batsmen have settled, they take advantage of his bad balls. In limited overs, fields are set for those bad balls, which allows him to use his googly more effectively. His ability to generate turn even on pitches that aren’t conducive to spin is also useful.

After his performances in the World Cup, where he took one four-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul, Tahir finds himself in the illustrious company of Shane Warne, Shahid Afridi and Muttiah Muralitharan who have taken the most four-wicket hauls at the World Cup. All of the mentioned players have four each.

Despite his incredible performances for South Africa, he missed out on a spot in the ICC’s official World Cup XI. Daniel Vettori took on the spinner’s role and many will view this as an unlucky selection.

"

Guys, let's be serious. Imran Tahir was the spin bowler of the competition. The ICCs list is just pandering.

— Daniel Keevy (@DanielKeevy) March 30, 2015"

The great thing about Tahir’s rise to the top is that his foray into international cricket has been somewhat accidental. According to Gary Stanyer from Kidsgrove Cricket Club in Birmingham, the man who was behind Tahir’s stint in England a few years ago, cricket wasn’t Tahir’s first priority when he had moved to South Africa.

He was quoted by the Times of India as saying: "Cricket was secondary. He went to South Africa in 2006-07 for the love of his wife. She had a job there and Imran had no option but to go there. He took up playing cricket there just for the sake of it, since he had very little to do. For him, to be playing for South Africa is accidental."

This is a heartening tale that shows, with a little bit of luck, hard work and determination, sporting dreams can come true. Having the talent Tahir does helps, of course, but sometimes you just need things to line up in the right way.

Tahir is already 35 years old, but this is still young for a spinner. He might not feature in many Tests, but his value in the limited-overs side should last for a few years still to come.

After such an impressive World Cup, South Africa will be mindful of finding ways to effectively manage one of the most talented limited-overs spinners they have ever had.

All quotes and information obtained firsthand, unless otherwise stated.