Predicting Team India’s XI for 2019 Cricket World Cup

It’s less than a year for 2019 Cricket World Cup! After missing out in 2015, India would look to bring home the trophy in 2019. Sure, there are enough reasons for Team India to fancy their chances – an explosive batting, skillful bowling contingent and ridiculous depth in the squad.

Let’s take a look at how Team India can line up at the cricketing extravaganza.

Openers

The opening combination – Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan – looks more than settled. In all likeliness, India will stick to their tried-and-tested pair. Since the start of 2017, Dhawan has piled 1283 runs at an impressive batting average of 51.32 while Rohit has plundered 1463 runs at 60.95.

Middle Order

The Indian captain, Virat Kohli, is the undisputed number three. Kohli is the top-ranked ODI batsmen for years now. The run-machine has scored in heaps – 2018 runs at 91.72 – since the start of 2017.

The no.4 slot could be a subject of debate, but a confident show at IPL 2018 suggests that KL Rahul can be India’s man for the role. Rahul has not done too bad in the 10 ODI outings thus far, with one 100 and a 50+ score to show for.

The no.5 has to be the talismanic wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni. Apart from  experience and ability, he brings a lot to the table. One of the most successful ODI cricketers, MS Dhoni’s recent exploits are promising. MSD guided Chennai Super Kings to their third IPL title recently and had one of his best seasons smashing 455 runs at an average of 75.83 and strike rate of 150.

At no.6, Dinesh Karthik looks an assuring option. In the recently concluded IPL, Karthik played the role of a finisher to perfection. Plus, his cameo in the Nidahas Trophy Final earlier this year was a perfect audition for a regular spot in the side.

All-rounder

Hardik Pandya has become indispensable to Team India in short formats. On most occasions, the all-rounder has given the side what is expected of him – quick runs lower down and fifth-bowler wickets.

Spinners

Time and again, Virat Kohli has heaped praise on Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. The duo has guile and trickery in the bag to bamboozle the best of line-ups. Chahal has 43 wickets at a striking bowling average of 21.83 in One Day Internationals while his partner has snared 39 wickets at 20.02.

Fast-bowlers

In Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, India boasts two of the finest white-ball bowlers in the game. The former has exceptional skill with the new ball while the latter has won India many a game with his pin-perfect death bowling.