ICC World Cup 2019: Exploring India's backup options for each department
The Men in Blue have been at their dominating best in the 50 over format this year, winning historic bilateral series against Australia and New Zealand on the trot. The ruthless domination in all the departments of the game, with the core members as well as the bench strength performing, augurs well for the subcontinental juggernaut ahead of the all important World Cup 2019.
With India eyeing their second World Cup title on English soil, it is imperative to have backups for each department, in case of any unforeseen event. The management has kept this factor in mind, and constantly tested the bench, which has acted as a morale booster for the individuals as well as the side.
Let's explore the backup options for each department of Team India:
#1 Top Order - Shubman Gill
The Top 3 of India - Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, arguably form the strongest top order in the world at present. While Kohli sits at the apex of the ICC Rankings, Rohit immediately follows him, with Dhawan following them both at the tenth spot.
This gives us a good idea about the importance of the three in the mix of things. In the majority of the matches that India has won of late, at least one of them has played the role of anchor. This makes the presence of the trio indispensable to the team's fortunes at the marquee event.
The player who can form a backup at the top is Shubman Gill, the lad being termed as the next big thing in Indian cricket. Although Gill could not make much of an impact after taking captain Kohli's spot in the last two games of the NZ series, he is certainly destined for great heights.
A sound technique and a sturdy temperament up his case for the World Cup spot. Further, he has a fair amount of experience of English surfaces, having been a part of the India A squad. If the need arises, Gill can fill any one of the spots in the top order and justify it with diligence.