ICC World Cup 2019: India's predicted playing XI for the tournament
The Indian selectors today announced team India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. While most players were sure shot certainties, there was a lot of debate around the contenders for the number 4 spot in the lineup and a backup wicket-keeper. The selectors finally opted for the experience of Dinesh Karthik over the exuberance of Rishabh Pant.
KL Rahul and Vijay Shankar were preferred over Ambati Rayudu for the number 4 spot. In the bowling department, the selectors opted to go with only 3 seamers in the form of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
India is scheduled to play its first match against South Africa on 5th June. Here, we take a look at India’s best playing XI for the upcoming World Cup.
Top Order (Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli)
Probably amongst the top-3 white-ball players in the game, Rohit Sharma is one of India’s biggest match winners. The right-hander is one of the biggest hitters of the game and can play the big shots at will. India’s chances at the World Cup would depend on his performances against the moving ball in England.
While Shikhar Dhawan recent form may not be inspiring, he is still India’s best choice to open with Rohit Sharma in England. Dhawan’s past performances in ICC tournaments offers hope for Indian fans. These two have been the most destructive pair in ODI cricket during the past few years.
There is no better player in the 50-over format than India’s captain Virat Kohli. He can help India chase down any total set by the opposition. He is just 9 hundreds away from breaking Sachin’s record of 49 ODI tons and would be looking to close in on the record during the World Cup.